(transcribed from correspondence to Museum Curator) - ... about the sword.

I carried that thing to about every so-called expert in the country. When Barbara went to Spain a complete set of photos and detailed descriptions went with her. As far as the Smithsonian is concerned, their "experts" were two men in Arizona so there it went for their opinion.

I took it to the Place of Governors in Sante Fe, New Mexico, where I was taken to their basement and viewed at least a hundred swords for comparison. The upshot was that my personal research through Spanish writings and research through the top historian of the Catholic church turn out to be the best.

Do know the blade is about four inches shorter than it was at one time so the tip must have been broken then redone. It is a double edge sword with two blood grooves which means it was used before 1720 as that type of blade went out of style around that time. The Latin engraving on one side say, "for my King," and on the other side, "for my faith."

The hall mark on the blade is quite clear and indicates it was made in Spain and is known as a Toledo sword. When comparing it to those in Sante Fe, found it to be in far better condition than any they had. This could result from the type of soil where the swords were buried or the reason I think plausible. The makers of Toledo swords were very secretive about what went into their swords. So much so only one person knew and it was passed down over the years. Research showed that the makers had come into possession of a meteorite and this metal was integrated into their blades. This may account for the fine shape the sword is in.

But along with the sword was found a dagger blade which in fact is more rare than the sword. It was a blade the Spanish gave to Indian Chiefs when they came on the plains to make peace. As far as where the items were found, think someone should investigate it further as when I was there many years ago I brought up what appeared to be a knuckle bone which turned to dust upon being exposed to air. I could go on and on about other reasons but think I have said enough.

I am glad it is going into the museum as that is where it belongs.