Rating and value of court swords

If you own a court sword or saber, 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 court swords and sabers  

Court swords and 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, the person to whom it belonged, 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 sell on the art market ranges from €60 to €400,000, at the moment, a substantial gap but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to court swords. In 2014, an exceptional straight-bladed court sword in gold and diamonds dating from 1780 sold for €400,000. It was originally estimated at between €400,000 and €600,000. A look back at past auctions and more details on these weapons.

Order of value from a simple weapon to the most prestigious

Court swords, weapons of power   

Court swords are highly prized items on the auction market. They were made with the intention of being worn for civilian use, and join the purpose of weapons of honor and decoration.

Depending on the weapon, they are referred to as court swords or court swords. The most common term is épée de cour, which encompasses all sufficiently long bladed weapons. The saber is included here (a pointed, single-edged white weapon with a more or less curved blade). There is a distinction in fact, but the terminology " épée de cour " encompasses all bladed weapons carried by the nobility.

Technique and characteristics of court swords   

The main characteristic of court swords is their long blade, designed to deliver stabbing blows. Their blade is very similar to rapier swords, though the hilt is a little different. The transition came with Louis XVIII, who, like Italy, wanted to use rapiers at court. He modernized them, removing the basket and simply adding a thin metal branch to hold the hand. The blade is triangular, allowing combat with many different weapons, including sabers.

The mount is simpler than the rapier, consisting of a shell, a guard branch with quillon, the fusee and the pommel. The stylistic details and decorative workmanship of court swords is more subtle and meticulous than that of rapier swords.

Historical background and success of court swords   

Court swords were made primarily for social purposes, but they were also used in fencing halls and fencing bouts. They were very popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. At Versailles, for example, men could not enter without carrying a sword. It was not only a weapon, but also a luxury accessory that became part of men's attire and enabled them to show their social rank, wealth and power to the court.

They are appreciated at auction, and although they are not the most highly-rated antique weapons, prices can rise very quickly.

Reasons to sell a court sword at auction  

If you own a court 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.

Court swords obviously have a financial value on the art market, but they also have a historical value. These weapons bear witness to the various conflicts of their time and the power wielded by those who owned them. They also show how the design of weapons evolved scientifically. 

Knowing the value of a court sword   

If you happen to own a court sword from any period and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our 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 all the 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.