Anyone know anything about this old fencing foil?

[TheThurmanator]

I just got this for $40 at an antiques shop. It looks to be medium - high carbon, fairly old.

The store tag said it was "German", which I assume they got from this marking that possibly references the German city of the same name. However, while googling I also came across references to a french sword maker from the 19th century named W. Clauberg Solingen:

http://archives.firearms.oneofakindantiques.com/3063_w._clauberg_solingen_french_fencing_foil_3.htm

It also has these markings:

Any ideas of what it is, where it's from, what it might be worth, etc? I bought it with the intention of giving/reselling it to a friend who fences, and I work at a renaissance faire sword booth in the fall so I was considering reselling it at a profit, but if it's some kind of special antique I'd probably sell it to a dealer or legit collector.

 

[horseclover]

To be honest, you will probably do better on Ebay with this than a sale to a dealer, or as you say, to a friend. if it is a good friend, I'm sure he would appreciate it as a gift, or maybe at your original cost.

Clauberg was a swordmaker/cutler in Solingen Germany during the mid, to third quarter of the 19th century. No French about it really. It is a somewhat desirable piece of Victorian era fencing history. The number on the spine of the blade relates to length/size of the foil. With he grip in seemingly sound shape, the collector appeal is there. if intent on a profit, put it up on Ebay with a reserve and if it doesn't sell, relist it with a lower buy it now price. The market on old fencing gear is whacky but I would think it has potential to do well. I have seen some pretty common and raggedy looking items commanding a fair bit of money.

As you are scouting around the net, use the search terms antique fencing foil and see what you come up with for price ranges. Some years ago, I saw a pair of later but similar to this selling for roughly $150 for the pair. They were in pretty ragged shape though, wire falling off, bent, etc. Early 20th century cup hilt types typically list at dealers for about $100 these days if good condition.

Cheers

GC

 

[TheThurmanator]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll do some lurking around on Ebay, and if the market is there as you say, I'll give that a shot. If not, I know I could easily get 100+ for it at the ren faire, but I think ebay would have a better chance of it going to a real collector.