Impressive gift given by Minister of the Army Antonio Barroso y Sánchez-Guerra to President Eisenhower's military aide Robert L. Schulz during their trip to Spain in 1959: a mid-20th century ceremonial Spanish dagger crafted by Artilleria Fabrica Nacional/Royal Sword Factory in Toledo in the manner of those from the 17th century, presented in a velvet-lined wooden case, with engraved bilingual silver presentation plaque on the lid (transcribed in English): "Presented to Colonel Schulz by the Minister of the Spanish Army, as a memento of his visit to Spain." Another bilingual plaque inside describes the style of the piece: "Seventeenth century hand-protecting dagger known as the left hand dagger for use in 'two handed combat.'" The handsome dagger is ornately enameled in black and gold on the curved guard and fuller with intricate scrollwork and symbolism, including floral imagery, golden lions, and the coat of arms of Toledo. The dagger measures an overall 16.5″ long, and the quillon measures 11.5″ across. The large wooden presentation case measures 13.75″ x 18.75″ x 4.5″. Also includes Schulz's travel token keychain, one side reading, "With Appreciation," followed by Ike's initials in block letters, "D.D.E.," with the reverse featuring a globe encircled by the text, "For a Better Understanding, 1959." The keychain is encased in a 5″ x 4″ x 1″ block of Lucite, engraved with their trip itinerary: "11-22 Dec, Rome - Toulon, Paris - Madrid." In very good to fine condition, scattered tarnishing to plaques and a hairline crack to the base of the wooden presentation case. The Royal Factory of Swords in Toledo manufactured all swords for the Spanish Army—a unique and appropriate gift from one military leader to another. From the collection of Brigadier General Robert L. Schulz, longtime military aide to Dwight D. Eisenhower.
