Collins & Co. "Lobo" Head Pommel Short Sword. The Lobo or wolf was the first animal head pommel produced by Collins and Co. in Hartford and was displayed at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, They then produced the Aguila (eagle), Gallo (fighting cock), and then the Elephante (elephant).  This example is 31 ¾” over-all, and with a 26 1/8” blade. The pommel, hooked guard, and handle base are all cast together of brass. Two walnut scales are held on the handle with three rivets, two still have their nickel plating. There is a trace of nickel plating on the top brass casting of the handle, and the guard. The “Lobo” pommel has a lovely darkened brass patina to the head details and two perfect red glass eyes. These are often missing or broken. There are thirty fine notches cut into the left walnut scale on it’s lower edge. Their reason for being cut into the walnut scale is lost to history. The blade is really in relic condition with much old pitting, specially at the tip third of the blade.  The blade has a blackened patina. The blade is marked “Collins & Co” weakly along the upper edge of the left blade ricosso near the spine of the blade. This example appears to be of earlier manufacture, I think during the last quarter of the 1800’s.  Even with it’s relic blade , this Wolf Head “Lobo” Pommel has lovely presence and a handsome finish. It makes a great presentation standing next to a fireplace as a fire tool. Price: $375.00 (ref. TB A-184)