Navaja, opinion requested

[Chris Evans]

Detlef,

If its says "Sevilla", then that what appears to be a church is probably "La Giralda", a common engraving theme for souvenir navajas sold from that city.

A common practices was to omit the brand name if the knife was intended to be sold by a third party or a location other than the manufacturing town, usually Albacete or Santa Cruz De Mudela. Must mention that any number were marked "Toledo" and engraved with bull fighting themes, to satisfy tourists desire for the legendary steel that that city was once famous for and also the popular image which at the time Spain projected to the world, notwithstanding that it was probably made in the one of those above mentioned locations.

I should add that according to some, those metallic strips traversing the handle were far more common with navajas made in Santa Cruz De Mudela, but cannot vouch for this.

Cheers
Chris

[Sajen]

Hello Chris,

thank you again for all the great informations. So it is either a souvenir or a display piece but most probable made in Santa Cruz de Muelda and from around the beginning of the 20th century when I am allowed to summarize.

Regards,
Detlef

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Chris Evans

... then that what appears to be a church is probably "La Giralda" ...

Sure thing Cris .
Actually i recognized this famous tower before discerning the name Sevilla; been there but, didn't have the courage to walk all the way up .
These navajas, when not being touristic pieces (XVIII-XIX century) are getting each day more and more expensive .

[Chris Evans]

Fernado,

Originally Posted by fernando

Sure thing Cris .
Actually i recognized this famous tower before discerning the name Sevilla <snip>

I have a stag handled beauty with a 6"blade, probably made by the famous cutler Julian Galvan, that has on it the Giralda etched and enameled. Notwithstanding that it is a display/souvenir piece it is extremely well made.

Cheers
Chris

[carlos]

Congratulations, I was following this navaja but unfortunately I forgot bid !! This piece is a navaja probably made in Santa Cruz de Mudela, but made like souvenir, maybe in 1960, to sell in Sevilla, a city of the south of Spain. The church engraved is The Giralda, typical from this city.
I f some day you decides to sell or change it, please tell me.
Thanks in advance
carlos

[Sajen]

Thank you Carlos, you have a pm!

Regards,
Detlef

[Chris Evans]

Fernando,

Shouldn't this thread be in the Ethnographic forum? That is where past postings on navajas ended up.

Cheers
Chris

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Chris Evans

Fernando,

Shouldn't this thread be in the Ethnographic forum? That is where past postings on navajas ended up.

Cheers
Chris

Hello Chris,

I was unsure where I should post this thread.

Regards,
Detlef

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Chris Evans

Fernando,

Shouldn't this thread be in the Ethnographic forum? That is where past postings on navajas ended up.

Cheers
Chris

I f you say so, Chris
If you don't mind, Dtlef

[Chris Evans]

Fernando,

You are the boss here, I was merely trying to be helpful!

Here I list two of my more attractive enameled navajas. I suspect that both originated from Santa Cruz De Mudela around 1950. The unusually high level of workmanship points the finger at Julian Galvan or someone he taught. Perhaps Carlos can throw some light on them. They both have 6"carbon steel blades, liners and back spring, as well as bolsters (virola y rebajo).

The only legible inscriptions are Sevilla and E Leon (The rest was abraded out during grinding)) on the one with the Giralda and the other only bears the ubiquitous faux Toledo targetting tourists.

Cheers
Chris