We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You can Modify or Reject the use of the cookies. See our cookie policy.
Regulation Spanish Army general officer’s sword, Model 1943, dating from the Franco period. It features a straight Puerto Seguro-type blade, a swan-neck or Turkish-style hilt, mother-of-pearl or ivory grip scales, a nickel-plated metal scabbard and a gold-coloured ceremonial sword knot. The blade bears the mark of the Toledo Factory (Fábrica de Toledo), the traditional Spanish establishment specializing in the manufacture of military edged weapons.
The hilt features a distinctive swan-neck configuration, also known as Turkish-style, with light-coloured grip scales. The upper section of the grip has an eyelet for attaching the sword knot, while a metal ferrule is fitted at its base.
The crossguard consists of straight quillons terminating in lion heads, a characteristic decorative feature of this weapon. The centre of the obverse displays the Spanish Army emblem, while the reverse bears the insignia of general officer rank, consisting of a marshal’s baton crossed with a sword. Both sides of the crossguard are surmounted by a four-pointed star, a distinctive symbol of Spanish general officers.
The straight blade is of the Puerto Seguro type, with a reinforced ricasso, a squared inner spine and an outer cutting edge. It features a flat-bottomed longitudinal fuller occupying approximately half the surface of each side, together with a short blade section ending in a sharp point.
The blade retains the inscription “Fábrica de Toledo” and features gilded ornamental engravings incorporating the insignia of Spanish general officers, identifying its intended use by officers of general rank.
The scabbard is made of nickel-plated iron, with decorative brass fittings. It has a suspension band fitted with a single carrying ring and terminates in a lyre-shaped drag, characteristic of this pattern.
The sword retains its ceremonial sword knot, consisting of a braided gold-coloured cord intended to be attached to the eyelet in the grip and to complete the regulation appearance of the weapon on formal occasions.
Total length 90.50 cm. Length of the saber 88.50 cm. Blade length 75.50 cm.
The Model 1943 sword belongs to the development of regulation edged weapons used by the Spanish Army during the 20th century. Its design combines a traditional straight military blade with a ceremonial hilt enriched by the distinctive symbols of general officer rank.
During this period, general officers’ swords served primarily as ceremonial and dress weapons, worn during official functions, military formations and formal occasions. Their decoration provided a visible indication of the rank and status of the wearer.
The presence of the Army emblem, general officer insignia, four-pointed stars and gilded blade engravings identifies this example as a sword intended for the ceremonial uniform of Spanish Army general officers.
Spanish Army general officer’s regulation sword, Model 1943. Straight Puerto Seguro-type blade marked “Fábrica de Toledo”, with gilded general officer insignia. Swan-neck hilt with lion-head quillons, Army emblem, crossed baton and sword, and four-pointed stars. Mother-of-pearl or ivory grip scales. Nickel-plated iron scabbard with brass decoration, single suspension ring and lyre-shaped drag. Retains gold-coloured ceremonial sword knot. Spain, Franco period, 20th century.
