European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 8, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse \ a amps photos by Jim Derheim Elena Roncero puts the finishing touches on a sword that will be used by in the sunlight As Sanchez holds it up for a visitor to inspect. Only about 50 employees work at Bermejo but almost All have been there 20 years or More Sanchez said. Some of the master craftsmen have worked there 40 years. Two craftsmen who introduced themselves As Felix and Angel have been with Bermejo for a combined 79 years. In a Small Well lit room while a parakeet cheerfully chirps in the background the two craftsmen engrave designs on the Blades of the swords. On this Day the two were putting the finishing touches on a Batch of swords for Marine non commissioned officers. A first they applied a waxed decal to the Blade. Then they dipped the sword in nitric acid and brushed it clean to reveal an etched design on the sword. Quot they re rough at first but after we Sand them Down for a while they work Quot said Angel. In another part of the building workers pour the steel into various holds while others grind and polish the Blades. It takes 30 minutes for a craftsman to grind a Blade to a shiny finish Sanchez said. Quot they know by Eye when they re done. They Don t need exact it is because of this craftsmanship that the firm s reputation has spread throughout the world. On the same Day the workers were Busy making the swords for the marines they were also producing a special brass handle to fit on a ceremonial sword for the Luxembourg police Force and a Saber for a moroccan military officer. One of the firm s favorite clients is the town of Corpus Christi Texas. Toledo s biggest festival of the year is called Corpus Christi but the sword maker also shares something else in common with the Texas City. The Man who founded Corpus Christi was Spanish a one Captain Alfonso Alvarez de Pinela and he carried a sword which was made in Toledo in 1519, Sanchez said proudly. Sanchez said Bermejo made an exact replica of de Pinela s sword and presented it to the Corpus Christi chamber of Commerce. The firm has also had orders from customers with some degree of International notoriety. A few years ago two made to order swords of Ivory and Silver were produced. One along with its $12,000 Price tag was sent to Iraq. Now said Sanchez Quot we have one Here and Saddam has the Bermejo . Is at Calle de Las Airosus 5. Tours in English or Spanish Are conducted from 9 . To 1 . And 3-6 . Weekdays. The firm is closed during August but open the rest of the year. To arrange a tour inquire at the firm s gift shop in the same building or. Telephone in Advance. The phone number is 226-545 or 220-346 the City code is 925 if calling from outside Toledo. If calling from outside Spain Jadd 34 and the proper dealing code from your country. Toledo is about 40 Miles Southwest of Madrid and another 15 Miles from Torrejon a to reach Toledo from the air base take a-2 to Madrid and then route 401. The Road is Well marked and in Good condition but carries a lot of traffic a worker gently pries unwanted bits of brass from an elaborate sword Hilt. August 8, 1991 stripes Magazine
