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Commemorative scroll of the creation of the Infantry Museum

The handwritten letters in calligraphic ink are the most outstanding examples in the collection of ancient documents. Of particular note are the Royal Decrees of Isabella the Catholic, sent to the prior of Guadalupe regarding two vineyards acquired by a heretic (1488), and that of Philip II, in response to inquiries from the Council of the Chamber at the request of magistrates from Navarre (1575).

 
 
We also highlight the series of guest books and books of honor, such as the one from the Artillery Museum of 1880 or the guest book of distinguished visitors to the Toledo Arms Factory, testimonies to the intense activity of these centers throughout the 19th century. Following the same format, the books of campaign documents, such as that of Captain O'Donnell in the African campaign (1859), provide evidence of movements and decisions on the front lines.
 
 
One of the most beautiful series in this collection is the set of illuminated commemorative scrolls, many of which include the portrait of the honoree or the symbol of the institution. A clear example of this is the one commemorating the creation of the Infantry Museum by Alfonso XIII, illuminated by Nicanor Manzano with neo-Gothic decorations that reveal a view of the Alcázar.
 
Regarding serial publications, we highlight the set of plates, mostly published in 1900, that reproduce the designs of the various uniforms of the Spanish army using offset printing. Copies of printed publications and newspaper clippings, such as those from the French newspaper "Le Temps," alluding to the Spanish Civil War, complete this complex collection. To this we add more recent documents, especially those related to the Spanish war and its aftermath, such as service certificates, personal identification cards, and military and civilian identity documents. These offer firsthand accounts of the system of citizen organization and control, featuring original seals and photographs of the individuals concerned. Many of these documents also include handwritten inscriptions and legends that provide highly interesting information and give them the value of "talking objects," laden with relevant historical information from our recent past.

Images

  • Guest book of the Artillery Museum

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  • Royal certificate of Philip II (detail). 1575

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  • Models of the different Spanish Army’s uniforms. 1900

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