Castello Fencing Equipment Company

Castello Fencing Equipment Company, 1914 – 19??

Julio Martinez Castello, a Spanish fencing master born in 1882, founded the Castello Fencing Equipment Company in 1914. He established the company in New York producing a diverse line of French, Belgian, American, Spanish and Italian foils, epees and sabres as well as accouterments and protective equipment. The company sold both electric and non-electric weaponry, and the majority of their blades were exclusively contracted from European and Italian forges. It’s unknown when the Castello company closed. Julio died in 1971 at the age of 91, though was survived by his two sons who presumably carried on the business.

“The policy of complete satisfaction to the customer upon which our concern was founded, is still our basic principle. Over thirty years of experience as a professional instructor in fencing has enabled me to offer you the most technically efficient as well as latest models in fencing equipment… – M. Castello. 1936″

Castello Fencing Sword Mark

There is no evidence to support that the Castello Fencing Equipment Company forged their own blades in New York. Instead they contracted blades from a yet unknown forge in Italy, possibly the Scaroni, or Serafino forges. Castello also sold Coulaux & Cie. blades on their French foils and dueling swords, and for individual sale.

Castello Sword & Equipment Rarity

Castello fencing blades, swords and accouterments are exceedingly common. A batch of receipts in our archive detail one customer’s purchases over the span of 14 months (5 bills of sale), and the invoice number jumps by 1,296, or approximately 92 orders a month. The commonness of Castello equipment is further exemplified by a statement printed in a 1955 catalog:

“It must be remembered that we select out blades from a stock of 30,000 pieces and are consequently able to select your choice at all times.” 1955 Catalog

Castello Fencing Blade Numbering System

Castello blades are often bear numerical delineations, like “Castello No. 111,” and “Castello No. 112,” to  signify their type, quality, and origin. See the excerpts of Castello catalogs below for a listing of blade numbers: