Rating and value of weapons of honor and decoration (rifles, sabers)

If you own an honorary or decorative weapon, and would like to know its value, and if you don't know, the period and model of your 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. Then, if you wish to sell your property, we will guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.  

Rating and value of honorary and decorative weapons

Honorary and decorative weapons are sought-after items by collectors. However, price differences can be considerable, depending on the model and state of preservation. Nowadays, prices for these objects 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 €4,400 to €155,000, at the moment - a considerable difference, but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to these weapons. In 2021, a glaive de maréchal modèle 1817 sold for €117,760, while it was estimated at between €15,000 and €25,000.

Order of value from a simple object to the most prestigious

Arms of honor and decoration  

French orders of honor and decoration play a significant role in French history and culture. Among the most prestigious distinctions are the Legion of Honor, the Military Medal, and the Croix de Guerre, which were created to reward courage, merit and devotion to the service of the nation. These honors often take the form of beautifully designed medals, pins, ribbons and insignia, testifying to France's greatness and heritage. They are awarded not only to members of the armed forces, but also to outstanding civilians who have made a significant contribution to French society. Prior to Napoleon's creation of the Légion d'Honneur, the orders were awarded in the form of real weapons, with rifles, sabres or pistols being offered.

As these weapons were very expensive to manufacture, they gradually disappeared under the Empire, but continued to be used for high-ranking officers. For example, the baton de Maréchal and certain sabres d'honneur were retained. Many decorations, however, no longer had a place in the form of real arms.

French arms of honor and decoration embody the importance attached to excellence, exemplary citizenship and loyalty to the fatherland. No longer existing in the same strength today, and being attached to the person who owned them, these objects are hugely successful at auction.

Reasons to sell a decorative weapon at auction  

If you own a decorative weapon, and don't know how to sell it, auctions are one solution. Many collectors are looking for old models that may have belonged to their ancestors, a beloved historical figure, or correspond to a particular battle.

These objects are not just weapons, but a historical witness to the scientific evolution of weapon design.

Awareness of the value of an honorary or decorative weapon

If you happen to own an honorary or decorative weapon 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.