Rating and value 2024 of sabres with guard

If you own a sword with a hilt, 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. Then, if you wish to sell your item, we'll guide you towards the best possible means of obtaining the best possible price.  

Rating and value of hilted sabres    

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 Versailles factory by Nicolas Boutet dating from the Directoire period sold for €41,000. Here's 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 guard sabres     

The sabre 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 other European countries such as Germany, sabers were developed under the impetus of the King. The first known and regulated model was the saber of the 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. Weapon design materials and models were imported from Germany, where know-how was more highly developed.

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

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

The term "sabre à garde" covers many weapons, all branches of the army, and many eras.

Reasons to auction a guarded sword  

If you own a guarded sword and don't know how to sell it, auctions are a 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.

Knowing the value of a hilted saber

If you happen to own a hilted saber from 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 piece, as well as any relevant information about it. If you wish to sell your property, our specialists will also be on hand to help you find alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.