Original Spanish WWII Era Spanish Air Force Officer’s Dagger with Scabbard & Belt by Villaverde of Madrid
In stock
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Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice Spanish Air Force officer’s dagger accompanied by its scabbard and original gilt dress belt by Villaverde of Madrid. The dagger retains its nickel plated magnetic steel blade, black ribbed celluloid grip, twisted copper wire wrap, painted crossguard, scabbard with both suspension rings, and white felt blade buffer. The crossguard and grip exhibit cracking, while the blue wool backing of the belt has some moth damage.
The nickel plated blade remains in very good condition without serious finish loss or wear. It is marked near the ricasso:
Toledo
Spain
The Toledo / Spain marking associates the blade with the long tradition of edged weapon manufacture centered in Toledo, although it does not identify a specific factory or individual maker.
The blade seats securely within the upper crossguard. A white felt blade buffer remains between the blade and guard and is in good condition. The obverse of the crossguard depicts raised feathered wings beneath a Spanish crown. The reverse bears the Spanish coat of arms flanked by laurel branches.
The entire crossguard is painted silver, with the exception of a red circular detail at the center of the aviation emblem. There is extensive cracking across the material and finish of the crossguard. It remains solid overall, but great care should be taken when handling the dagger to prevent further deterioration.
The grip is constructed from ribbed black celluloid wrapped with twisted and rolled copper wire. Cracking is present in the grip, as shown, although the assembly remains tight. A round steel pommel completes the hilt.
The scabbard retains two floral suspension mounts and both suspension rings. No separate chain or dagger hanger is present.
The accompanying officer’s dress belt is constructed from gilt fabric backed with blue wool. Its round gilt metal buckle features a wreath surrounding the Spanish Air Force insignia.
A suspension loop is attached to the belt for carrying the dagger. The separate hanger required to connect the dagger’s scabbard rings to the belt is not included. The blue wool backing exhibits some moth damage. The leather adjustment strap remains present but has become stiff with age. The buckle is relatively thin and crudely constructed in comparison with the dagger fittings, but remains suitable for display.
The reverse of the belt retains the maker’s label:
VILLAVERDE
MAYOR 29 MADRID
Villaverde was a Madrid military outfitter located at Calle Mayor 29 and supplied uniforms and related dress equipment. The label establishes the maker and Madrid address of the belt, although it does not confirm that Villaverde manufactured the dagger itself.
The painted silver crossguard and steel pommel differ from the gilt brass fittings more commonly associated with high quality regulation examples. These differences may reflect a later production variation, economical construction, refinishing, or replacement components. The exact circumstances cannot be confirmed.
The nickel plated blade, intact white felt buffer, ribbed celluloid grip, retained wire wrap, complete scabbard suspension rings, and labeled Villaverde dress belt preserve the principal components of this Spanish Air Force set. The extensive crossguard cracking, grip cracks, missing hanger, moth damage. It would be appropriate for a collection focused on Spanish Air Force uniforms, Franco era ceremonial edged weapons, or Toledo marked blades.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 14 1/2"
Overall length: 19 1/8”
Crossguard: 3 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 15 5/8”
- This product is available for international shipping.
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