Frequently asked questions
We have selected the most frequently asked questions. Before contacting us for a question, we invite you to consult the list below to check if your question has already been answered.
This list of questions is not restrictive, so if you have other questions that we have not answered, do not hesitate to contact us.
The FAQ is organized by main themes in order to group questions by topic and provide a clear, logical, and efficient reading experience, for both private customers and institutions.
🌍 Orders & Shipping
Online Orders – Recommended
Please note that orders placed by email or post may require longer processing times than those placed directly through our website.
👉 For faster processing and optimal order tracking, we strongly recommend using our secure online ordering system.
If you prefer not to use the online sales system, you may still place an order using one of the following methods:
📧 Order email: commande@balp-france.fr
- Item reference
- Item description
- Unit price
- Quantity
- Total price
- Full delivery address including telephone number
- Chosen method of payment
- Copy of a valid identity document
The General Terms and Conditions of Sale define the contractual rules between you and our company, including:
- delivery timelines,
- return policies,
- payment conditions.
👉 No contract can be established without prior acceptance of these terms.
We therefore invite you to review them carefully before placing any order.
All requests are reviewed with care.
Please provide the desired quantities, and we will be pleased to issue a custom quotation, including applicable discounts where relevant.
Our customer service team is at your disposal:
📞 English-speaking service: +33 (0)4 71 75 90 35
📧 Email: commande@balp-france.fr
We will be pleased to assist you.
In some cases, an item may be temporarily out of stock.
This indicates that current production has been fully allocated, and our workshops are making every effort to meet demand.
⏱️ Estimated production lead time: 4 to 8 weeks.
You may maintain your order, which will be shipped as soon as possible.
You will be informed of progress by email, fax or telephone, depending on your chosen order method.
We aim to keep most items in stock and operate daily shipments.
- In-stock, non-custom items:
➜ Shipment within 2–3 business days
- Shipping method: Colissimo or approved carrier
- Indicative delivery time: 2–3 days
(Please note that we have no control over carrier delivery times)
For express delivery requests, please contact us before or at the time of ordering:
📞 +33 (0)4 71 75 90 35
📧commande@balp-france.fr
Express shipments are billed according to express carrier rates.
🌍 Yes, we ship worldwide
BALP France ships its products to many countries worldwide.
Shipping costs, delivery times, and customs formalities may vary depending on the destination.
For certain destinations or institutional orders, we recommend contacting us in advance.
European Union
- Free delivery for orders over €350 incl. VAT
- Outside the European Union
Worldwide
- Flat-rate shipping fee: €65
- European Union: No additional fees or additional charges for deliveries within the European Union. The billing is done at the legal rate of VAT. For deliveries outside France, if you have an intra-community VAT number, thank you to inform us for an invoice HT.
- Outside the European Union: Contact us at the following address: commande@balp-france.fr
You have 14 days from the invoice date to return your order.
All sabres and swords are inspected prior to shipment.
If your item arrives damaged, please contact us immediately:
📞 +33 (0)4 71 75 90 35
📧commande@balp-france.fr
Please prepare the carrier’s delivery inspection report.
⚠️ Personalized items (engraving, markings) are non-returnable and non-exchangeable, unless the product is proven to be defective.
Please verify that the quantities received match the delivery note or invoice.
- ✅ Quantities correct:
Your order may have been partially shipped. Missing items will be dispatched as soon as they become available.
- ❌ Quantities incorrect:
Please contact us immediately. Some orders are shipped in multiple parcels. All shipments are fully tracked.
- Via our secure online sales system
- Credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Apple Pay, American Express, Paypal)
- MyBank, Paysatisfy, Bancontact, Ideal
- Bank transfer(please contact us for bank details)
✨ Design & Quality
BALP sabres are:
- crafted using traditional methods,
- hardened, adjusted and polished by hand,
- assembled from carefully selected materials (steel, brass, leather, high-quality ABS).
Yes. Each piece undergoes a thorough quality control process, ensuring compliance, finish and reliability.
Yes, A BALP quality certificate accompanies each sabre or sword.
✍️ Customization
Yes. BALP France offers:
- personalized engravings (texts, coats of arms, emblems),
- adaptations of existing models,
- development of specific pieces based on detailed specifications.
Yes. BALP supports military academies, ministries, armed forces and official institutions, with the ability to establish detailed technical, regulatory and protocol specifications.
We recommend contacting us in advance in order to assess requirements, feasibility, lead times and associated conditions.
⚔️ Products & Collections
- Sabres and swords for ceremony
- Regulatory and historically inspired models
- Officer, general and military school sabres
- Accessories (scabbards, sword knots, covers, belts)
- Ceremonial uniform accessories
- Ceremonial uniform on request
BALP sabres are designed for ceremonial and protocol use. Blades are pointed but not sharp, in accordance with safety rules and applicable regulations.
Yes. BALP models respect the proportions, forms and spirit of historical originals, while meeting modern quality standards.
🏛️ About BALP France
BALP is a French house specialized in the design and artisanal production of ceremonial sabres, swords and edged weapons. It supports institutions, armed forces, military academies and collectors in France and internationally.
BALP has been developing sabres and swords since the 19th century. Certain periods of interrupted activity explain the absence of complete archives for some historical models.
BALP products are produced primarily in France, then in Europe, within specialized workshops selected for the quality of their craftsmanship. As some historical trades related to edged weapons have gradually disappeared in France, BALP France may, when necessary, rely on rare international expertise, while working exclusively according to French specifications, ensuring respect for traditions, protocol usage and the quality standards of the BALP House.
🏺 Antique Sabres & Expertise
No. BALP France does not offer identification or authentication services for antique sabres or swords owned by private individuals.
Yes. Even in this case, it is not possible to determine with certainty:
- the date of manufacture,
- the exact origin,
- the history of the piece.
The absence of usable archives prevents any reliable identification.
Can you advise on ho
Yes. It is recommended to:
- identify the original manufacturer,
- consult specialized reference works,
- seek an independent expert or a museum institution.
No. Restoring antique sabres requires specific organization, rare skills and long, complex interventions, making it impossible to offer reasonable costs or lead times. BALP France therefore does not provide restoration services.
