Gunsmith, Workshops of the Republican Guard, Paris, France

Gunsmith repairing a sword at the Ateliers de la Garde Republicaine, or workshops of the Republican Guard, 10, Avenue de la Republique, Paris, France. The gunsmiths maintain the 1300 swords (models 1822, 1845 and 1923) still in service. Repairs as a result of corrosion or falls include welding, fusing and polishing, and they also make beech wood handles with leather and twisted brass. The Garde Republicaine was founded by Napoleon in 1802. It is part of the Gendarmerie and is responsible for security, guards of honour, military ceremonies and horseback patrols. In its workshops, master craftsmen maintain the equipment used by the horsemen and infantrymen, using traditional and sometimes ancient techniques passed down through the generations. Picture by Manuel Cohen

Picture No

13440866

Media ID

45127046

Size

4724px x 7087px (7.0MB)

Credit

Manuel Cohen / Mary Evans

Source

Photograph by Manuel Cohen