France - Glaive - 1794

RARE GLADIATOR SWORD OF THE STUDENTS OF ÉCOLE DE MARS, REVOLUTION (1794) . Grip moulded in relief with rows of scales. Oval pommel Box guard from where a guard branch and two steel crossguard emerge, the crossguard ends in a brass olive. The guard ends at the bottom with a trapezoidal shape embossed in relief with the Phrygian cap. Rustic double-edged blade and triangular tip, length 53 cm, width at heel 4 cm Brass sheath with inner wood covered with red cloth. Bail on each side of the sheath with brass ring (diameter 2. 5 cm, thickness 3 mm) . The lower part of the sheath is decorated with large palmettes. Hallmark on the upper guard branch The Ecole de Mars was founded by the Public Safety Committee on June 1, 1794 and then abolished at the end of October of the same year due to the political instability generated by the cadets. The Academy was designed to prepare young citizens (aged 16 to 17) for the cadres of the future army of the Republic, allowing them to acquire "the knowledge and customs of true republican soldiers" (the knowledge and manners of republican soldiers) . A special uniform and an old short sword (called gladiator sword after the Roman gladiators) was designed by artist Jacques-Louis David and given to each cadet. In very good condition.