Dated 1866. Iron hilt hand chiseled with foliage and the arms of Bolivia with gold ground. Silver wire wrapped black leather covered grip. Fine Spanish blade, 33 ½” double fullered at the forte, straight with spear point. The first half decorated with foliage, strap work arms of Spain and FACA D TOLEDO /ANNO 1866, all with heavy gold detail. The blade is the product of the revival in Toledo, of the Renaissance art of etched and gilt blade decoration. This example is particularly early as the majority of examples encountered date to the late 1870s and 1880s. Exquisite quality with crisp detail and the gold substantially preserved. Stunning example.
