**Originally Listed At $500**

Western Europe, France, ca. second half of the 19th century CE. A fine set of French fencing foils with one bearing a slightly longer blade. Each lengthy handle is composed of a conical brass pommel and tightly wrapped cord that terminates just below a rectangular spacer ring. The double-ringed handguard is designed to give the fencer an even finger grip no matter how the foil is held, and the characteristically rectangular blade enables a great amount of bending without fracturing. The tips of each blade were originally outfitted with a flared, blunted point as foils were meant for competitive sport and not duels to the death. The maker's marks include crowns, double-ended scepters, and the name "Coulaux & Co.," with the longer bearing a "5" near the hand guard, and the shorter with a "3." Size of largest: 3.5" W x 37.1" H (8.9 cm x 94.2 cm).

For a strikingly similar example of a French fencing foil, please see: Withers, Harvey J.S. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabres." Lorenz Books, London, 2010, p. 180.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, purchased in 2014; ex-Antique Swords and Edged Weapons collection, London, UK

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#150233

Both foils have slight bending to overall form of blades, nicks to pommels and handguards, and softening to some maker's marks, otherwise intact and very good. Wonderful patina throughout. Blades are still relatively pliable.