Original Spanish-American War 1868 Dated Spanish Army Officer's Sword Made in Toledo with Scabbard - U.S. Bringback

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful example of a Spanish-American war era Spanish Army Officer's Sword with Scabbard, made by the world renowned Toledo Arms Factory. Toledo steel, historically known for being unusually hard, is from Toledo, Spain, which has been a traditional sword-making, metal-working center since about the Roman period, and came to the attention of Rome when used by Hannibal in the Punic Wars. It soon became a standard source of weaponry for Roman legions. Toledo steel was famed for its high quality alloy.

As with most militaries around the world, sword models came in different variations; officers, NCOs, enlisted and so on. This example is one made for Officer's, and was in many ways more a symbolic item than one for actual use by the Spanish American War. 

The etched blade measures 29½” in length, but only has an edge for the last 2/3" of the length. It is marked TOLEDO 1868 over the Spanish coat of arms, with floral motifs on the other side.

If used, these were intended as a stabbing weapon, definitely not one that was capable of making grievous wounds with a slash. It has been told that these swords had an impeccable temper and could bend almost up to 90 degrees and return to their original form, though for obvious reasons we have not tested this out. The blade is slightly curved, though not so much as a cavalry saber would be. The blade is in very good shape, with no major edge nicks or damage, and shows a lovely aged oxidized patina on the etched portions, with more bright steel towards the tip.

The lovely brass guard features a lovely double-scallop crossguard bearing the Coat of arms of Spain with floral motifs. There is a lovely matured patina across the hilt, and the ribbed wooden grip is in good condition.

The 31¾” scabbard is in fair condition and is painted black, with about 80% of the paint retained. There are a few minor dents but nothing serious.

A great addition to any edged weapons collection. Comes more than ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Overall length: 35”
Blade length: 29 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 31 3/4"