Military Short Sword Model 1855: A Unique Decorative Treasure

ESPADÍN. Author: Vicente Toledo Momparler (sword expert)

Reference	4-1855-E
Name	Military Health Officer’s Espadín Model 1855
Mounting	Made of gilded brass and highly decorated; pommel with mythological heads on all four sides; on the front, Coat of Arms of Spain; on the back, longitudinal grooves; crossguard with straight quillons ending in human heads; at its center, a snake crossed with a staff.
Blade	Rounded edges on the first third and three flat planes with two edges on the remainder.
Scabbard	Black leather with gilded fittings; suspension button with Coat of Arms of Spain.
Inscription	None visible
Description	The name “Military Health Corps” appears for the first time in an 1836 Organizational Regulation. Its personnel are “medical officers”. There are no enlisted troops.
Distinguishing Mark	On the neck, palm branches surrounding batons. All in gold; later, the palms will be replaced by olive branches.
Overall Length	820 mm
Blade Length	685 mm
Blade Width	13 mm
Collection	Author’s Collection