Rating and value 2024 of sabres with guard

If you own a saber with a guard, 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 expert 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 an optimal price.  

Rating and value of guard sabers    

Guard sabers are among the most sought-after military collectibles on the auction market. However, price differences can be considerable, depending on the 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 sales of certain rare pieces. The price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €20 to €41,000, at the moment, a substantial gap but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to sabres à garde. In 2013, a sabre à garde from the Manufacture de Versailles by Nicolas Boutet dating from the Directoire period sold for €41,000. 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 sabers with guard    

The saber with guard is a weapon that developed in France at the end of the 17th century.

Relatively little used in France and already developed in some European countries such as Germany, sabers developed under the impetus of the King. The first known and regulated model was the sabre de Grenadier à cheval de la Maison du Roy, manufactured under regulation from 1695 onwards. At that time, very few French soldiers were covered by regulations on arms. It wasn't until 1791 that the King became head of the Army and Navy. By extension, the regulations introduced at the end of the 17th century were extended to almost all French army corps. The materials and models used to design the weapons were imported from Germany, where know-how was more highly developed.

Under Louis XV, the Kligenthal factory was set up in Alsace and began producing French weapons, later replaced by the Châtellerault factory.

The most highly-rated and valuable hilted sabers, however, were made by the Versailles factory, created to produce decorative weapons. The latter are more elaborate and luxurious, sometimes including gold inlays, precious stones and highly detailed chasing and engraving.

The term sabre à garde covers numerous weapons, all army corps, as well as numerous eras.

Reasons to sell a guarded sword at auction  

If you own a guarded 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 sword with a guard

If you happen to own a sword with a guard, from any era, and you 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 piece, 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.