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Rare 1784 Spanish Dragoon Officer's M1768 Sword

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Rare 1784 Spanish Dragoon Officer's M1768 Sword
For your consideration is this rare and unique, Spanish Dragoon Officer’s M1768 Sword from 1784. This 238 year old sword would make a fine addition to any collection. Dragoons were originally a class of mounted infantry who used horses for mobility, but dismounted to fight on foot. From the early 17th century onward, dragoons were increasingly employed as conventional cavalry and trained for combat with swords and firearms from horseback. While their use goes back to the late 16th century, dragoon regiments were established mostly during the 17th and early 18th centuries; They provided greater mobility than regular infantry but were far less expensive than cavalry. This sword was used during the reign of King Charles III of Spain (1759-1788) as the blade is stamped with the year "1784" on one side. The blade is filled with some other interesting markings such as a "Crown R" on one side of the blade, specifically on the ricasso, and there's an "F" marked on the opposite side of the blade on the ricasso as well. The stamped "Crown R" and "F" are believed to be the maker's mark of Pedro d'Archiga, a Toledo sword smith from the mid 1700s. After the stamped "Y" possibly standing for "year" is a variation of the Toledo sword maker's mark before the numbers "1784". The opposite side, above the stamped "Crown R" are other indecipherable markings. The hilt is made up of brass components that show a nice patina from age, with a large hand guard stamped "R". The handle is made of wood and was once covered in leather and wrapped with twine for texture and grip. Some leather still remains but is tough and and falling off the handle. The blade shows lots of pitting from its use and old age and the tip of the blade has been broken off or blunted. Overall this sword shows good condition considering it is over 200 years old. The entire sword measures 30 3/4"L. The blade itself measures 25 1/2" L.*