Spanish Girding Sword of Gentilhombre de Cámara. King Alfonso XIII. Spain, Circa 1900

Rare gentleman-in-waitings ceremonial sword from the court of King Alphonse the 13th, made in Spain circa 1900. The sword shows off a considerable decorative beauty, especially in its brass hilt. It preserves its original scabbard and the blade remains in great condition; it is signed by the Real Fábrica de Toledo (Royal Factory of Toledo). Ceremonial swords are gala weapons used as an accessory with formal uniforms. In this case it is a gentleman-in-waiting sword; they were men from high social standing who were attached to a royal household and assisted the king in his travels and his private rooms. The swords hilt is entirely made of brass, even the grip (which is usually made of wood). The cross-guard is decorated with a lions head from which mouth emerges the D-guard, a piece which ends at a pommel with an embossed letter O. Under the cross-guard there is an oval decorative plate with an engraved monogram of the king: a mountain-shaped A with the roman number XIII inside and a royal crown on top. The black leather scabbard bears a brass locket with a fine embossed bunch of flowers. The brass chape is missing. Its stately look and intrinsic beauty turn this rare Spanish gentleman-in-waitings ceremonial sword from the court of King Alphonse the 13th into a historic piece with a remarkable decorative power. Measurements: Total Length: 34.4 in / 86 cm. Blade Length: 28.8 in / 72 cm.