Alabardero Officer's Sword, 1861

Wonderful Spanish Sword made for the Royal Corps of Halberdiers of Queen Isabel 2nd of Spain (Royal Guard of Isabel II of Spain). This is a museum piece that comes in its original leather scabbard and was forged in 1861. If the sword itself is an exclusive item, the fact that it comes with the scabbard is a real rarity that turns this sword in an almost unique piece. All its parts are in good condition and look great. The sword is an item of high aesthetical interest and has a fascinating history behind it. The model dates from 1848, when Lieutenant General Francisco Martínez Campos suggested Queen Isabel to change the Royal Corps of Halberdiers Corps swords design, as he considered them inelegant in order to be sported with the gala uniform. So in July of the same year the queen approved the manufacturing of 325 units, but in the end only 320 were forged. After Isabel 2nd was dethroned and went to France, the Royal Corps of Halberdiers gave 109 swords to the royal armory and another 53 were handed over in the frontier between Spain and France. This means that 158 swords were lost, maybe secretly stolen by their owners and also in battles and raids. This sword is one of those units and has surfaced again with all its beauty and elegance. It is a very attractive weapon, decorated with nice engravings among which the Fleur-de-Lys motives and the Castille and Leon shield stand out. The scabbard is also embossed with the Fleur-de-Lys and has survived to our days in great condition: the leather is greatly preserved and the metal parts look shiny and polished. This exceptional sword is a museum-quality piece worthy of become part of a great collection because of its ancient age, beauty and history. Measurements: Lenght: 1000 mm. Length of scabbard: 830 mm.