Ceremonial Police Saber of the Basque Ertzaintza with Etched Blade
We present to you a stunning and meticulously detailed replica of the ceremonial saber worn by the members of the Basque autonomous police, the Ertzaintza. This unique piece perfectly captures the elegance and historical legacy of the Grand Gala uniforms established in 1982. At first glance, you will be captivated by the precisely crafted blade featuring rich etched motifs that celebrate the history and unity of the Basque provinces. Whether you are a passionate collector of edged weapons, a reenactor focusing on modern European military and police history, or simply looking for a representative decoration for your office, this ceremonial saber will not disappoint. Its gleaming all-metal scabbard and colourful sword knot in the national colours of the Basque Country give the weapon a majestic appearance that will surely catch the eye of any visitor. Further product information ...
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Ceremonial Police Saber of the Basque Ertzaintza with Etched Blade
Historical Context and Symbolism
The Ertzaintza, the autonomous police force of the Basque Country, was founded in 1982. It builds upon the historical legacy of the original militias and police forces from the Spanish Civil War era. When designing the representative Grand Gala uniform, the creators drew inspiration from the French Chasseurs D'Orleans units of the 1840s and the style of General Zumalakarregi. This saber is an essential accessory of this majestic uniform. Its decoration carries deep symbolism: the blade is richly adorned with the etched inscription ERTZAINTZA 1982 and, on the other side, bears the coats of arms of the six historical Basque territories – ARABA, BIZKAIA, GIPUZKOA, LAPURDI, NAFARROA, and ZUBEROA, elegantly separated by oak leaf ornaments.
Detailed Craftsmanship and Materials
The weapon is crafted with a strong emphasis on visual authenticity. The slightly curved blade features a single edge and a distinct fuller (blood groove), which visually lightens the saber. The ricasso of the blade is stamped with the manufacturer's seal and the material designation – stainless steel. The guard of the saber is an openwork design consisting of flowing metal spirals that reliably protect the hand and smoothly transition into a pommel decorated with floral motifs. The black grip is wrapped with twisted wire in gold and silver colours to ensure a secure hold. An integral part of the hilt is the decorative sword knot (tassel) braided from a red cord, ending in fringes in the colours of the Basque flag (Ikurriña) – red, green, and white. The saber comes in an elegant, mirror-polished metal scabbard with two suspension rings and a decorated chape.
Technical Parameters of the Product
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total length (including scabbard) | approx. 105 cm / 41.3 inches |
| Blade material | Stainless Steel |
| Scabbard material | Polished metal |
| Blade decoration | Chemical etching (inscriptions, coats of arms, floral motifs) |
| Weapon type | Officer / Ceremonial Saber |
| Original manufacturer | Fábrica Bermejo, Toledo (Spain) |
Safe Usage and Proper Maintenance
For safety reasons, we must warn you that this is strictly a decorative item unsuitable for practical use. The blade is made of stainless steel, which is excellent for maintaining its shine and resisting rust, but it is structurally brittle. This collectible sword is absolutely not intended for contact historical fencing (HEMA), cutting practice (tameshigiri), or stage combat. Striking another blade or a solid obstacle could cause the blade to chip or shatter, potentially leading to serious injury. Therefore, use it exclusively as an interior decoration or as part of a ceremonial uniform.
Maintaining the saber is very easy thanks to the materials used. It is completely sufficient to regularly wipe the weapon and the metal scabbard with a dry, soft microfibre cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. If the metal parts of the guard or scabbard become dull, a mild metal polishing paste can be carefully applied. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, which could scratch the polished surface or ruin the fine etching on the blade.
Recommended Accessories
For a safe and dignified display of this collectible piece, we recommend purchasing a wooden wall hanger for swords or a tabletop stand from our selection. If you plan to wear the saber as part of a costume, do not forget to choose a suitable leather belt with a sword frog and elegant white ceremonial gloves.
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