2024 rating and value of city swords, rapiers and crabs

If you own a town sword, and would like to know its value, and if you don't know, the period and model of the weapon, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your weapon, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on today's market. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your item, we will direct you to the best possible device to obtain the optimum price.  

Rating and value of city swords   

City swords are among the most sought-after military collectibles on the auction market. However, price differences can be considerable, depending on model, engraving, state of preservation, who owned it, and other criteria. Nowadays, prices for these weapons can rise considerably under the auctioneer's hammer. Buyers from all over the world are interested in the sale of certain rare pieces. The price at which they are sold on the art market ranges from €60 to €175,000, at the moment - a substantial difference, but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to city swords. In 2021, a High Dignitary town sword dating from 1879 sold for €175,000. It was originally estimated at between €150,000 and €200,000. A look back at past auctions and more details on these weapons. 

Order of value from a simple weapon to the most prestigious

History and background of city swords    

The city sword is a weapon that developed in Italy at the end of the Renaissance. Rapier swords were created for the first time in Spain in the 16th century, and are distinguished by a long, thin blade designed for estoc blows. Their hilt was not very elaborate at first, but quickly became so thanks to Bologna's masters of arms, who appropriated these weapons for fencing. It was in this region that the ricasso was developed, a space between the blade and the hilt that enables a better grip on the weapon. It protects the index finger and enables better balance. Caravaggio, in particular, is known to have carried one, and fought with it.

Later, this weapon was declined and revised, with the development of court and ceremonial weapons. The crab sword, often found on the auction market, was born in the 17th century. There are no longer any ricasso, and the iron mounting is composed of four small claws turned inwards and downwards on the guard.

The military function is abandoned in 1650 for these weapons, which nevertheless continue to be produced in Italy, but also in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and France. The style of the guards will then vary according to the country (taza, bell-shaped, for Spain ; curves and chasing developed on Italian rapiers and pappenheim for German swords).

City swords are very much part of the collective imagination, thanks to various films and novels, including Les trois mousquetaires by Alexandre Dumas.

Reasons to sell a town sword at auction  

If you own a town sword and don't know how to sell it, auctions are one solution. Indeed, collectors use this medium to find models that correspond to a particular battle or that belonged to their ancestors. Prices can reach unprecedented heights.

To know the value of a town sword

If you happen to own a town sword of any period and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your item, as well as any relevant information about it. If you wish to sell your property, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market inclinations.