Spain, Franco Period. An Air Force Officer’s Dagger, C.1960

This is an extremely well-preserved Spanish Air Force officer’s dagger, featuring a nickel-plated magnetic metal blade 360 mm in length. The tip of the blade is sharpened, while the edges present in a semi-sharpened condition. It is plain with the exception of of a mark near the obverse ricasso reading “Toledo, Spain”. The blade sits securely in the upper crossguard, itself constructed of gilded bronze, with the obverse depicting raised, feathered wings topped by a Spanish royal crown. The reverse features the Spanish coat of arms flanked by laurel leaf branches.

The handle is constructed of ribbed white celluloid, with the ribbing wrapped in twisted and rolled copper wire. The dagger is completed by a round gilded pommel, and measures 485 mm in total length. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of gilded bronze and measuring 400 mm in length. The scabbard features dual integrated bands bearing loops, each measuring 20 mm in diameter, accommodating a dagger hanger which has since been lost. The tip of the scabbard is decorated on both sides with etched arabesques. It retains a functional spring catch at the throat, securely holding the dagger in place during storage. With the exception of minor scratching to the metallic features, the dagger is otherwise perfectly preserved and is in an extremely fine condition.