Antique Spanish National Aviation Officer's Dagger, Civil War. Spain, Circa 1938

Antique nationalist aviation officers dagger during the Spanish Civil War, forged circa 1938 and in very good condition. This weapon is entirely original from the time and mounts a steel blade with brass grip and scabbard, making up a really attractive piece. It could have belonged to Joaquín García Morato-Castaño, a Spanish military officer who is considered the highest ace of the Spanish aviation till our days. It seems that the former owners father was given the dagger as gift by García-Morato himself, when they were both appointed to the Sanjurjo airfield (located near the Spanish city of Zaragoza). Though this history cannot be verified, the truth is that the dagger is a historic piece which took part in the content and has survived to our days in amazing condition. The item shows off a simple and stylized design. The steel blade remains in great condition, with no traces of rust and the inscription FABCA. DE TOLEDO (Toledo Sword Factory) clearly engraved in the metal. The brass grip bears a fine cross with engraved and embossed motifs. At one side we can see the Spanish coat of arms, while the other shows the Nationalist Aviation Corps insignia. The brass scabbards only decoration is composed of three small embossed rosettes, which we can see in both sides. At the scabbards end we can see some subtle and delicate hand-engraved motifs. This antique nationalist aviation officers dagger during the Spanish Civil War is a great item with a fascinating past. A real jewel, worthy of the best collection of military pieces and swords. Dimensions: Total Length (without Scabbard): 19.2 in / 48 cm Blades Length: 14 in / 35 cm.Joaquín García-Morato y Castaño History Joaquín García-Morato y Castaño was a Spanish military officer who belonged to the Aviation Corps. He is considered the greatest ace of the Spanish aviation: he shot down forty verified enemy planes, spent more than one thousand hours flying and took part in more than one hundred and forty air combats. He was born in Melilla in 1904; when he was promoted to second lieutenant of artillery he was appointed to the Moroccan Protectorate. In 1925 he became a lieutenant and was trained as a military pilot; then he came back to Morocco and took active part in the war. When the content ended he became seaplane pilot and in 1928 suffered a serious accident, but he recovered and returned to active service. In 1935 he became a captain; when the Civil War started he joined the rebel forces. He stood out for his many actions and was awarded individually the Great Laureated Cross of San Fernando, the highest Spanish military medal. When the war finished, in 1939 his plane crashed during an exhibition and Joaquín García-Morato y Castaño died instantly at the age of 35.