Robert Eric French Antiques & Americana

Hello, my name is Bob French and I have been a collector and dealer in early American and European edged weapons, militaria and firearms for many years. My expertise and areas of interest extend into multiple areas that include all types of swords, particularly cutlasses & cup hilt rapiers, all types of uniforms & military buttons, early firearms, military headgear, historical ceramics and a variety of other areas of collecting.

I began collecting in 1974 at the age of 15 buying swords, military buttons, uniforms and other militaria. From 1977 until 1984 I served in the United State Navy as an electronics technician trained exclusively on cryptological equipment. After receiving an honorable discharge, I attended Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia graduating with a double major in Marketing and Finance. In 1994, I returned to the collegiate life at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia earning another degree with a double major in Archeology and Museum Studies. Since 1991, I have been a full-time dealer and consultant recognized across the country for honesty and an in-depth knowledge of a wide variety of early militaria, swords, firearms and antiques.

After several years as a part-time consultant for James D. Julia Auctions, I began working with Poulin Auctions in 2004 as their Chief Early American and European firearms, militaria and edged weapons specialist. I have cataloged literally thousands of diverse items, always with a high degree of accuracy and integrity contributing to the development and growth of the company into the international auction house it is today.

In 2021, I was honored with induction into the American Society of Arms Collectors. I am also a member of the Company of Military Historians, the New England Antique Arms Society, the Ohio Valley Military Society and the Forks of the Delaware Historical Arms Society.

I attend various military and firearms shows across the United States regularly with my wife Deanna Daub French, who assists me in every aspect of the business and has worked with me at Poulin Auctions for many years.

I have consulted on, evaluated and valued some of the most prestigious collections of arms and militaria in the country both in public and private hands.

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in selling your swords, buttons or other militaria. Also, be sure to contact me if you are interested in selling your arms or militaria through the auction process with Poulin Auctions.