France. épée De Brigadier Et Sous-officier De Gendarmerie, Modèle 1853. France, C.1870

French regulation sword corresponding to the model adopted in 1853 for brigadiers and non-commissioned officers of the French Gendarmerie, manufactured circa 1870 by Coulaux & Cie in Klingenthal. The piece is clearly identifiable both by its typology and by the markings visible at the base of the blade, where the signature of Coulaux & Cie and the name Klingenthal can still be distinguished.

This regulation model was worn during the second half of the 19th century and is particularly distinguished by its guard plate decorated with a lictor's fasces surmounted by a pike and set against a trophy of flags. This motif is characteristic of swords intended for brigadiers and non-commissioned officers of the Gendarmerie during this period.

The hilt is made of bronze or brass, with a cast grip decorated with raised vegetal garlands, characteristic of French regulation swords of the 19th century. The pommel has an elegant olive-shaped form, sober and well proportioned. The single knuckle guard retains a simple and balanced line.

The sword also features a folding rear counter-guard using the French regulation Manceaux-type system. This device made the sword easier to wear and represents a particularly interesting detail in the design of this model.

The kidney-shaped guard plate displays at its centre a lictor's fasces surmounted by a pike, placed before several flags. This decoration is one of the principal elements linking this sword to regulation models intended for brigadiers and non-commissioned officers of the French Gendarmerie.

The blade is straight, robust and well proportioned. It features a double longitudinal fuller along its first section. It remains correctly aligned and retains an attractive overall appearance, with superficial wear and a few small spots naturally consistent with its age. The Coulaux & Cie and Klingenthal markings remain visible and provide the piece with additional documentary interest.

The sword retains its original scabbard with metal fittings as well as its regulation leather baldric. The scabbard shows signs of use, exterior wear and several marks associated with age. The brass elements display a natural and even patina.

The leather baldric also retains its structure, with the normal signs expected from an antique piece of military equipment that was genuinely used. The presence of the sword together with its scabbard and baldric makes this a particularly interesting ensemble for the collector.

A very attractive 19th-century French regulation sword, complete and full of character, whose Coulaux & Cie, Klingenthal markings further enhance its historical and collectible interest. A particularly appealing ensemble for a collection of French militaria, regulation edged weapons or objects connected with the history of the French Gendarmerie.

Dimensions: Total length: 92 cm (36.22 in). Blade length: 75.5 cm (29.72 in).

History of the Model 1853 Gendarmerie Sword

The Model 1853 sword was adopted in France during the mid-19th century to equip, among others, brigadiers and non-commissioned officers of the Gendarmerie. It belongs to a long tradition of regulation weapons intended to identify the rank and function of their wearer while retaining the fully functional nature of an edged weapon.

Used during the Second French Empire and subsequently during the early years of the Third Republic, this model accompanied a period of profound evolution in the organisation of the French military and police forces.

Its design combines sobriety, strength and institutional symbolism. The guard plate decorated with a lictor's fasces surmounted by a pike and set before flags is one of its most recognisable elements.

This motif also helps distinguish this Gendarmerie variant from certain related models used by other branches of the French State, whose decoration could incorporate different iconographic variations.

The Manceaux system fitted to the counter-guard was designed for practical purposes. The folding counter-guard facilitated the wearing of the sword with the uniform and reduced the bulk of the hilt while it was carried at the side.

The manufacture of the weapon by Coulaux & Cie in Klingenthal is another important feature. For much of the 19th century, Klingenthal was one of France's principal centres for the manufacture of edged weapons. The Coulaux firm continued an extensive production there of swords, sabres and other weapons intended for various branches of the French military.

Although it also fulfilled a representative role associated with rank and uniform, this remained a genuine regulation weapon. Its straight and rigid blade was primarily suited to thrusting, in accordance with the characteristics of French military swords of the period.

Today, examples retaining their scabbard, baldric and identifiable manufacturer's markings are of particular interest to collectors. They provide a direct material testimony to the equipment of the French Gendarmerie during the 19th century and to Klingenthal's important tradition of edged weapon manufacture.