Spain. Fascist State. An Air Force Officer's Dagger c.1950

(Ejército del Aire = EdA). Dagger with a polished nickel-plated steel blade, magnetic, with dull edges and a semi-sharp tip, both edges bevelled on both sides, the ricasso maker marked "TOLEDO SPAIN" on the reverse, white felt washer at the base of the blade, the blade exhibiting marks common to extraction from the scabbard and measuring 365 mm in length. The crossguard in brass, the obverse with the Spanish Air Force insignia in a silver-coloured gilt with red enamels and bearing the Franco crown placed in the centre, surrounded by laurel leaves, the reverse of the crossguard bearing the Spanish coat-of-arms and surrounded by laurel leaves. Dark yellow celluloid grip forming the handle, with nine recessed rows, the rows wrapped in a single strand of twisted wire, the adjoining pommel in brass, incorporating the design of the Franco crown and finished with a ball finial. The dagger measures 490 mm in length overall, the celluloid grip exhibiting crazing and spotting. The accompanying scabbard in brass, the chape with an ornate design on both sides, the body with two bands bearing an ornate design on the obverse, each of which incorporates a brass ring, with a multi-link chain affixed to the rings via a large clip to the top ring and a large hook to the bottom ring, a portapee wound around the body with its white cord wrapped in fine-coloured bullion wire, the adjoining knot also in fine gold-coloured and displaying a thatched pattern, the interior with two loose red protective strips, the scabbard measuring 397 mm in length. The dagger and its scabbard housed in its lightly soiled grayish-blue cotton protective sleeve, measuring 115 mm in width at the opening x 270 mm in length, with a green drawstring at the opening. Better than very fine.