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Originally Posted by celtan
Hi Jim,
Here's a link, with an album full of pictures of the Gladius sword I have been researching.
http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r...e%20Militaire/
I have seen several _similar_ swords but only one or two identical. Either the crossguard shape, the langets, or the blade itself differ.
Someone suggested it might be a ceremonial sword created on the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The sword was reportedly found in a Vichy French military school in the city of Aix, and was reportedly labeled as an "epee de cadet a la Ecole de Mars".
I have found nothing definitive on its origins.
Best regards
Manuel |
Hi guys,
I know now the French sword you wish more information on. I only know as I have seen two and seen them both fetch more money than I ever had in my pockets ten years ago and they always stuck in my mind as a beautiful item, certainly far removed from the fraternal swords shown in quality but much the same in form.
The fraternal swords offered here are based on a very rare sword of French origins, The regulation Glaive for L'Ecole de Mars circa 1794.
L'Ecole de Mars was established by decree of the National Convention dated Le 13 Prairial An II (1st Junr 1794). The institution soon collapsed under the weight of political turmoil generated by its students and was disolved by decree dated le 2 Brumaire de L'an. III (23 October 1794). Reference: Aries, XXIII, 5, 1975 and thank you Sothebys ;-)
With such a short life span one can understand when collecting regulation French pattern swords, this is a must have and the price is reflected as such...wish I bought the two I saw...
Gav