This item is part of The Estate of Generalissimo Francisco Franco Bahamonde. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
A beautiful naval sword by Artilleria Fabrica De Toledo, comprising a single edged blade with brass hilt, scabbard and case. The sword measures 92cm in total length from tip to pommel, it features a 78.5cm straight unsharpened blade with a fuller running nearly the total length of each side of the blade. Delicate etched ornamentation details floral designs with Spanish iconography bearing rampant lions and towers, and markers mark FCA ARTILLERIA DE TOLEDO on the ricasso and up the middle of the blade, the reverse is engraved MARINA ESPANOLA and features a crowned anchor above. The blade shows very little wear and is in extremely fine condition. The hilt in brass features a lion’s head pommel with mane flowing down the backstrap, a white lacquered wooden handle handle with wired embellishments for grip, smooth half basket hilt, the guard features a crowned anchor on a pebbled field a with the reverse of the quillon is stamped N. MARTIN MADRID. The handle shows discolouration and wear, notably some chipping, light wear to the remaining hilt.
Accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a boiled and blackened leather shaft with three bronze gilt fixtures comprising the upper locket, mid locket and shoe, with gently detailed chape. The Upper locket features a moveable ring, and the scabbard measures 81.5mm in length, light wear along seam of leather, however it remains in extremely fine condition.
Contained in a large wooden case, with brass plaque on top engraved “La Armada a su Caudillo Almirante en of VII Centenario de la Marina de Castilla 12 Octubre 1.948” (The Navy to its Commander Admiral in of VII Centennial of the Navy Castile 12 October 1948). The interior features a deep red velvet lining with recessed medal bed that was not made for Naval Sword, however presents indentations of the Naval Sword indicating it has housed the sword for a great deal of time. The case measures 100cm (l) x 24cm (w) x 9.5cm (d), and offers two decorative clasps, the reverse bears three hinge sections one of which has been damaged and said hinge is not functional. The case shows wear and scratches to exterior, as the sword is too large, the case clasps do not latch closed, otherwise the case remains in near very fine condition.