Rare Glaive de l'Ecole de Mars

A rare example of one of the most distinctive swords of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic eras, the 'Glaive de l'Ecole de Mars'. A Roman gladius style short sword designed by the great French painter Jaques-Louis David and worn by officer cadets of the Paris Military Academy. Only 3500 were ever produced between June 1st and the end of September 1794. Worried that Robespierre was planning to recruit a Pretorian Guard from its recruits the school was closed in October 1794. Classic scaled brass hilt, plain cross guard, two steel quillions with brass olive shaped ends and a steel knuclebow. A revolutionary Phrygian cap on the langet. Some surface staining to the blade as you would expect. All original brass mounted wooden scabbard with red felt cloth inserts. Missing small cross bar at the base of the scabbard, repair. Good example of an undeniable piece of history from the Wars of the French Revolution. France, 18th Century, 1794.

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