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'll guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.  

Rating and value of weapons of honor and decoration

Weapons of honor and decoration are highly sought-after by collectors. However, price differences can be considerable, depending on the model and state of preservation. Nowadays, prices for these items 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 marshal's sword model 1817 sold for €117,760, whereas its estimate was between €15,000 and €25,000.

Order of value from a simple object to the most prestigious

Weapons of honor and decoration  

French orders of honor and decoration play a significant role in the history and culture of France. Among the most prestigious awards are the Legion of Honor, the Military Medal and the Croix de Guerre, which were created to reward courage, merit and devotion in the service of the nation. These distinctions often take the form of beautifully designed medals, pins, ribbons and badges, 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 presented in the form of real weapons: rifles, sabres or pistols.

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

French weapons of honor and decoration embody the importance attached to excellence, exemplary citizenship and loyalty to one's country. No longer existing in the same force today, and attached to the person who owned them, these objects are hugely popular at auction.

Reasons to auction a decorative weapon  

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

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

Knowing the value of a weapon of honor or decoration

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 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 all the 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.