Fig. 149.—Moorish Lamp, Bronze; Fourteenth Century. (R.)
Bronze-casting was practised in Spain by the Moors as well as the Spanish themselves. The Moorish hanging lamp (Fig. 149) is a beautiful specimen of bronze-working in pierced open-work. It bears the date of the Hegira, 705 (A.D. 1305). Important works in bronze of the Renaissance period, such as candelabra, monstrances, &c., are still preserved in many of the churches.
From the earliest historic times Spain has been celebrated for the excellent quality of its iron and steel arms and armour. The Romans patronised the Spanish armourers extensively for their swords and other arms after the Carthaginian War. The best swords were made at Bilbilis or Calatayud in Aragon, and were short and wide, with double edges—about 15 to 19 inches in length. A sickle-shaped sword was also made 22 inches in length.
Toledo blades were proverbial for their excellent tempering, and were famous as early as the days of the Romans. Seville was also noted for the excellence of its steel blades, and the Arabs, as we have seen, were highly skilled in metal working, and especially in the making of all kinds of arms and armour, including its ornamentation.
The celebrated sword of Boabdil had a Toledo blade, and including the hilt was 39 inches in length.
The Spanish warriors of the eleventh century had dresses, arms, and armour not unlike the Normans, as represented on the Bayeux Tapestry, which were in imitation of or borrowed from the military habits of the Saracens.
The sword manufactory at Toledo was in its most flourishing state during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries; it was re-established in the last century, and is in existence at the present day.
Fig. 150.—Spanish Rapiers. (S.K.M.)
Two rapiers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries are represented at Fig. 150.