A fabulous and fine Spanish Toledo dagger with gold inlaid Islamic geometric decoration probably dating to the early part of the 19th Century.
The origin of Toledo weapons comes from the most ancient of Spanish customs. More than 2,000 years ago, in the 5th century B.C. , Iberian blacksmiths already forged swords known as falcata which had an iron blade inside and a special design made to increase the bluntness of the slash. The internal structure of the blade and its fabrication were a well-kept secret by the manufacturers. To make such an exceptional weapon, they had to forge, at the same time and at a very hot temperature, hard steel with high contents of carbon and soft steel. This way, they could obtain excellent mechanical properties as well as a better fastness to wear.

Condition: Wear commensurate with age. Loss of retaining clasp on the reverse and some wear in this area.