The history of the National Weapons Factory of Toledo is the history of one of the most important industrial institutions in Spain, directly linked to the city's thousand-year-old tradition of steel forging. Below is a compilation of the available information on its production and evolution.
Origins and History
Foundation: The Royal Sword Factory of Toledo was founded by King Charles III in 1761, although the main building known today was designed by architect Francesco Sabatini and completed in 1780. A location on the banks of the Tagus River was chosen to take advantage of the hydraulic power needed for the machinery.
Evolution of the Name: Throughout its history, the factory changed its name. In 1910, it became known as the "National Factory of Toledo."
Activity: Throughout its more than 200 years of activity, the factory adapted to the needs of the armies, transforming from a center exclusively for edged weapons into a modern military armament factory.
Closure and Conversion: Military activity progressively declined until the factory ceased production in 1996. The historic site has now been converted into the science and technology campus of the University of Castilla-La Mancha.
Production of Edged Weapons (Swords, Sabers, Bayonets, Knives)
The production of edged weapons was the mainstay of the factory for much of its history, especially until the beginning of the 20th century.
Swords: Initial production focused on standard-issue swords for the Spanish army. Various types of swords were manufactured depending on the unit they were intended for:
Cavalry Swords: Very long.
Dragon Swords: Slightly shorter.
Civilian rapiers and officer's swords: For ceremonies and personal use.
The Toledo Factory was noted for the quality of its blade tempering, which earned it international fame.
Sabers: Standard issue sabers for infantry, cavalry, and non-commissioned officers were one of its most important productions, especially from the 19th century and throughout the 20th century. Supplying sabers to officers was one of its key activities after the Spanish Civil War.
Bayonets: The factory produced a wide variety of bayonets compatible with the standard issue rifles of the Spanish army, such as the Mauser rifle. A notable example is the M1941 machete bayonet, produced for the M1943 Mauser rifle.
Knives and other items: In addition to war weapons, the factory also manufactured knives, almaradas (daggers), and pocket knives, for both military and civilian use. Over time, its workshops were also dedicated to the production of artistic reproductions of swords and other items for collectors.
Various Instruments: Over time, the diversification of production led the factory to manufacture surgical instruments and other precision items, demonstrating the high level of specialization of its craftsmen and their ability to work with high-quality steel.
Other Types of Production (Firearms and Artillery)
As military technology evolved, the Toledo factory adapted to avoid becoming obsolete.
Cartridge: At the end of the 19th century, the demand for cartridges increased, leading the factory to build new workshops for their production.
Firearms and Artillery: In the last third of the 19th century, the factory ceased to focus exclusively on edged weapons and was modernized to also produce firearms and artillery equipment, becoming a complete industrial complex. This modernization included the construction of bullet-making workshops, smelting furnaces, and other facilities.
In short, the National Arms Factory of Toledo was a production center that combined the artisanal tradition of Toledo forging with industrial modernization. Their legacy ranges from the iconic swords and sabers that equipped Spanish armies for centuries to the bayonets and ammunition of the modern era, leaving an indelible mark on Spain's military and cultural history.
