As custodians of a rich and unique French manufacturing legacy, we continue to write this story daily, remaining true to our heritage while pointing our sword toward the future.
In 1788, the Prieur brand was born with the opening of its first shop, specializing in the manufacture of various gloves, including fencing gloves.
Tired of selling unattractive and often grotesque fencing outfits, Mr. Prieur decided to give them the aesthetic touch that would make him the ambassador of elegant and refined fencing. Thus, the French Prieur touch was born. Fencers from France and beyond flocked to his shop to discover a unique selection of fabrics, designs, and colors. Prieur outfits marked the beginning of a new era in which allure and elegance became an integral part of the sport’s identity.
The Prieur brand files a patent for the invention of a foil frame with screws and adjustable tension.
The Prieur brand filed a patent for the invention of the first advanced fencing mask, “characterized by the use of a single piece of canvas or metal mesh stamped into the appropriate shape to form the complete mask.”
The Prieur brand expands with the opening of two new boutiques and inaugurates a Prieur fencing club in Paris.
Prieur files a patent for a new off-center guard for the French grip épée, designed to better protect the fencer’s hand.
The Prieur brand cements its reputation in the hands of double Olympic champion Lucien Gaudin, who had chosen the Prieur épée above all others.
Prieur becomes Prieur Sports, the fencer’s friend. This new name symbolizes the brand’s commitment to high-level competitors, and the slogan still resonates today around the strips.
Prieur establishes its company in Montceau-Les-Mines, Saône-et-Loire, France, a hub of steel expertise. The technical excellence of the models improves, and the brand’s aura becomes considerable. It is now the emblematic brand of the discipline, supplying teams at major international sporting events.
Prieur files a new patent for the invention of a safety mask for fencers. The iconic Prieur Mask is as much appreciated by beginners as World Champions.
Prieur sparkles in the Miss Universe pageant. The brand creates a mask adorned with Swarovski crystals and a custom épée for Miss France 2017, Alicia Aylies.
Prieur presents its vision of the future of fencing at the Grand Palais in Paris, celebrating the 105th anniversary of the FIE and setting the stage for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In 2016, Didier Contrepois took over the company, and the workshops were relocated to Genlis in Côte d'Or. The company is gradually regaining its splendor and aims to once again become the flagship of the fencing market by striving for global leadership.
“Rally&Rise” becomes the new rallying cry of the French brand, which now sports a new logo symbolizing its commitment and deep attachment to fencing and its entire community of enthusiasts.
Prieur returns stronger than ever, reconnecting with its history by establishing a shop in Paris, just as it did in 1800. In a warm and refined atmosphere, fencers from all backgrounds are invited to (re)discover high-quality equipment made in France.
