Royal & Noble
Royal & Noble
From the Duques de Tamames Collection
The Order of Santiago gem-set sword, dated 1880
Lot Closed
January 18, 04:20 PM GMT
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
From the Duques de Tamames Collection
The Order of Santiago gem-set sword, dated 1880
with straight blade formed in two stages, the upper portion of flattened-hexagonal section and the lower of rectangular section, etched on one face ‘Arta Faba De Toledo 1880’, silver hilt set with sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds, comprising down-turned shell-guard applied with the gem-set crowned ducal arms in gold enriched with red enamel, a pair of diamond-set crossed swords above, knuckle-guard entwined with a diamond-set serpent, red enamelled and gilt crown pommel, integral grip enclosed by gilt openwork foliage and applied with the cross of the order in rubies, in associated leather scabbard with brass locket and chape, the former incorporating a button formed as a coronet
79.5 cm
This impressive collection of swords belonged to the ancient noble family of the Duques de Tamames, also Marqueses de Campollano. The first marquess, Francisco Nicolás de Castro y Gallego (1640-1709), was governor of Antequera (now Oxaca) in Mexico, and member of the Order of Santiago. The 6th marquess, 23rd lord of Tamames (1761-1804), was raised to the ducal rank in 1804 by king Carlos IV.
Some of these swords were certainly in the collection of the 4th duke, José Mesía del Barco y Gayoso de los Cobos (1853-1917), commissioned for him as part of one of his many dignitary functions. He had a preeminent political career, being a member of parliament from 1886 to 1910, and senator for life as a Grande de España. Married to the daughter of the Duques de Alba, and member of the Orders of the Toson d’Or and of Santiago, he was a relevant social figure, head of the royal household and governor of Madrid’s province. He is also remembered for being the promotor and first president of the Spanish Scouts association, the Exploradores de España.