Souzy Paris – Parisian Forge and Fencing Supplier

1871 – 1976

Souzy Paris (officially Souzy & de Lacam  and later, Etablissements Souzy) was one of the largest fencing suppliers in France. They produced weaponry and accouterments including masks, jackets, plastrons, gloves, trophies, medals, targets, and more. They also retailed blades from Coulaux & Cie in Klingenthal for their weaponry. The Souzy catalog is one of the finest examples of French fencing equipment and was in no small part the inspiration for Benjamin Arms. The Souzy factory produced a large array of foils, epees and sabres of multiple styles. Their factory was two stories tall to accommodate their huge in-house production line.

Unification with Soudet

Notice was published in the March 1976 edition of Escrime Francais that “two of the oldest fencing manufacturers” (Souzy and Soudet) “united their destinies”. The new company formed from the merger was to be called Etablissements Soudet and was to continue operation in renovated facilities at 31 Boulevard Voltaire (the former Souzy facility):

Devant le développement de la pratique de l’Escrime, le dynamisme de nombreux Maîtres d’Armes et Présidents de Clubs, il fallait que la fabrication des articles d’Escrime suive la même progression, de façon à améliorer la qualité du service à la clientèle et sa rapidité.

Dans ce but, deux des plus vieilles maisons de fabrication d’articles d’Escrime on uni leur destinée.

La Societé SOUDET et la Societé SOUZY vous offriront donc un service amélioré dans des locaux rénovés sis :
31, Boulevard Voltaire, 75011 Paris
en face du metro “Oberkamph”
Tél. 700.35.93

L’équipe, qui présidera aux destinées, de cette nouvelle affaire, est celle des Etablissements SOUDET.

Nous espérons que ces nouvelles dispositions vois apporteront l’efficacité dont vous avez besoin.

Souzy Paris Sword Mark

Blades manufactured by Souzy are all marked with their name. Some Souzy swords, however, are marked “Souzy” on the pommel or guard with other names such as “Coulaux & Cie.” This often indicates a sword manufactured by more than two companies; one for the blade and another for the hilt. Sometimes these weapons would have a third mark on them if sold by a third party retailer, such as J. H. Lau & Co. or Sears & Roebuck. Souzy swords are older and more rare than 20th century manufacturers such as Castello or Joseph vince, but still rather common.