Precious Girding Sword for Engineer Officer, Model 1860. Spain, 1897

Beautiful small sword for engineer officer more than 120 years old and in very good condition. It is model 1860 and was forged in Toledo (Spain) in 1896, as we can read in the inscription engraved in the blade. The sword boasts a lovely and stylized design, being a fine and elegant sidearm that still preserves its original beauty. These swords are light pieces that were very popular in the 19th century as a complement for formal uniforms. The nice look of the sword that we can see in the photographs shows clearly its decorative function. The swords blade is long and narrow and is in quite good condition. Near the hilt, the blade bears an engraved inscription that reads FABCA. DE TOLEDO 1897 (Factory of Toledo) and indicates the place and year of manufacturing. The hilt is made of silvery metal with a nice hand-engraved decoration that embellishes the guard, the pommel and the cross-guard. The pommel is engraved in the shape of a lions head that is holding the guards end in its jaws. The cross-guard, on the other hand, curves upwards to meet the guard and is adorned with engraved leaves and volutes that make up a filigree surface in whose center we can see the Coat of Arms of the Corps of Engineers of the Spanish army. The other end of the cross-guard is heart-shaped and its center is adorned with a birds head. The hilt is beautiful and it boasts an exceptional state-of-art design. In the point where the cross-guard meets the hilt, just under the engraved decorative fringes we can see a mark with the inscription SELGAS. Last but not least, the hilt is made of black wood with carved horizontal parallel grooves that ensure the grip. This fantastic Spanish sword will shine in the best collection of antique arms thanks to its timeless elegance. Esta fantástica espada de ceñir destacará en la mejor colección de armas antiguas por su elegancia intemporal. Measurements: Blade: 33.4 in/70 cm. Sword (with hilt): 23.5 in/85 cm.