Pair of Early 19th Century French Fencing Sabres

The origin of fencing can be traced back to the development of swordsmanship for both self defense and duels. Although it is not certain, fencing is believed to have had its origin in Spain. The movement towards fencing as a sport was led by Domenico Angelo who founded Angelo’s School of Arms fencing academy in London in 1763. The academy, over the course of a century, established the universally accepted rules of sporting swordsmanship. His methods and tactics are still used today. Angelo was the first fencing master to emphasize the health and sporting aspects of fencing as opposed to fencing as a killing art. Sport fencing continued to grow worldwide in presence and popularity. Emerging as an Olympic sport in the summer of 1896, it has been included in every Olympic game since. FYI: The tip of the fencing weapon is the second fastest moving object in sport after the marksman’s bullet!