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Show Toledo Sword Factory IN' the famous sword factory nf Toledo, bo Spain, absolute secrecy surrounds some, of the processes employed In the making mak-ing of these celebrated blades, although under un-der certain conditions visitors are allowed to go through the factory. No one. however. Is permitted to look upon the final secrets of tempering In the first room there may be seen a curious cu-rious large round shield fastened against the wall, where the last test of n finlshej sword Is made. It Is thrown against this target as an arrow Is thrown from a bow If its point Is perfect, well nnd good. It does not turn a fraction of tho finest hair's breadth. If the blade makes an esc:ie from this trial and It usually does, It is worthy to be marked with the royal sign and the word "Artllerla," that proves thai it was made In Toledo. If the point wavers, even ln a manner imperceptible imper-ceptible to the unpractised eye. the bladn must go Lack to a renewal of its fiery discipline. disci-pline. At one table a man, working by aid of wax and a sharp pointed needle like Instrument. Is busily engaged in the lettering of blade At another table Is an artisan pounding with a tiny sharp cduej sort of hammer, v orklng out a handle- pattern. There aro sevorol hun dred employees In t's sword factory, and a treat many of th boys under twenty, but the most tiusud workers aro not often young. |