Patents Fencing Prieur
La maison Prieur, born in 1788, is the oldest fencing brand in the world and the only French fencing equipment house more than two hundred years old.
Our incredible success through the centuries is the result of a unique legacy that began with Mr. Antoine Prieur who, tired of selling ugly and often grotesque fencing outfits, decided one day to bring them the touch of aesthetics that would make him the ambassador of an elegant and refined fencing.
The Prieur French Touch was born.
All the fencers of France and elsewhere jostle at his shop to discover a unique selection of fabrics, models, shades. Prieur outfits mark the beginning of a new era in which allure and elegance are now an integral part of the sport’s identity.
With his fame, Mr Prieur models and creates many patented and innovative products, to improve the comfort and safety of shooters.
Thus, it is Prieur who is at the origin of the first sports fencing mask in 1844.
In 1895, it was again Prieur whoinvented the pommel and thread of the end of the silk of the blade. This made it possible at the time to greatly facilitate the change of the blade.
Over the centuries, we have been witnesses and actors of his “sporting transition”.
Indeed, in 1921 Prieur innovated again by imagining and designing his legendary epee Guard with the off-center hole in order to guarantee better protection of the hand and prevent the arm from being too exposed during practice. This ultra-light guard is still manufactured in our workshops and marketed today.
Our heritage makes us inherently pioneers of the discipline. This is why our equipment is acclaimed all over the world and was used by the greatest champions of the time including the double Olympic champion, Lucien Gaudin (1928) who had chosen the Prieur epee among all.
Avant-garde at all levels, Prieur was led by women in the 1850s! Totally unusual at that time. A feminine touch assumed and cultivated since alongside inspiring athletes who have taken women’s fencing to the highest level.
Over the years, Prieur gained notoriety and legitimacy, the brand became the reference for fencers and appeared in the biggest competitions around the world. A recognition that is undeniable and that is maintained thanks to ever more numerous innovations that shape the DNA of this sport.
Sources: INPI Archives