SPANISH BLADES 18TH C. -NEED ASSIST

Jim McDougall · 1st February 2024, 07:07 PM

In rereading this thread, I missed noting the important details on Valencia swordsmiths add Fernando added in his post which are profoundly salient in establishing not just which cities were concurrently producing blades along with Toledo....but the names specifically of makers.

In reading about the eventual collapse of the blade making industry in Toledo which took place over time in the 17th c. ...to read that when King Charles III in Spain tried to rebuild a factory there in 1760.....the SINGLE smith he could find was 70 year old Luis Calixto of VALENCIA ("By the Sword" , Richard Cohen, 2002. p.115).

It seems there were makers as well in the 16th-17th centuries in Seville and Valladolid; and according to other sources in the 18th century, Barcelona (which is of course Catalan) was a source more favored than Toledo for blades.

Other than the references in the Palomares nomina specifically noting Madrid and Zaragoza...it does seem Valencia was a most important center.

midelburgo · 7th April 2024, 10:57 PM

There are two nice Valencia rapiers pictured in Norman. From Paris invalides.

There are a couple of good books on the Catalonian side. The first one has some pictures of interesting models and marks, but after 1714. The second one is mostly about fireweapons.

The cover on one of the editions of Swords and hilt weapons has a nice Barcelona sword from XVIIIth century.

midelburgo · 8th April 2024, 02:30 AM

This is a smallsword from Valencia.

Dish attachment through 4 screws in a lozenge, as some 1728 cavalry swords.

midelburgo · 25th June 2024, 08:47 PM

I just discovered a book that can be of your interes.

pdf is available here

https://publicaciones.defensa.gob.es...ml?___store=es

https://publicaciones.defensa.gob.es..._comanches.pdf

Jim McDougall · 26th June 2024, 02:27 AM

Midelburgo, thank you so much for this, and the VALENCIA sword!!! It seems these are so little seen in our part of the world....not sure how often seen over there. I really appreciate all your input on this topic!

7th April 2024, 10:57 PM	#2
midelburgo Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 264	There are two nice Valencia rapiers pictured in Norman. From Paris invalides. There are a couple of good books on the Catalonian side. The first one has some pictures of interesting models and marks, but after 1714. The second one is mostly about fireweapons. The cover on one of the editions of Swords and hilt weapons has a nice Barcelona sword from XVIIIth century. Attached Images

8th April 2024, 02:30 AM	#3
midelburgo Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 264	This is a smallsword from Valencia. Dish attachment through 4 screws in a lozenge, as some 1728 cavalry swords. Attached Images

25th June 2024, 08:47 PM	#4
midelburgo Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 264	I just discovered a book that can be of your interes. pdf is available here https://publicaciones.defensa.gob.es...ml?___store=es https://publicaciones.defensa.gob.es..._comanches.pdf Attached Images

1st February 2024, 07:07 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	In rereading this thread, I missed noting the important details on Valencia swordsmiths add Fernando added in his post which are profoundly salient in establishing not just which cities were concurrently producing blades along with Toledo....but the names specifically of makers. In reading about the eventual collapse of the blade making industry in Toledo which took place over time in the 17th c. ...to read that when King Charles III in Spain tried to rebuild a factory there in 1760.....the SINGLE smith he could find was 70 year old Luis Calixto of VALENCIA ("By the Sword" , Richard Cohen, 2002. p.115). It seems there were makers as well in the 16th-17th centuries in Seville and Valladolid; and according to other sources in the 18th century, Barcelona (which is of course Catalan) was a source more favored than Toledo for blades. Other than the references in the Palomares nomina specifically noting Madrid and Zaragoza...it does seem Valencia was a most important center.

26th June 2024, 02:27 AM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	Midelburgo, thank you so much for this, and the VALENCIA sword!!! It seems these are so little seen in our part of the world....not sure how often seen over there. I really appreciate all your input on this topic!