1900s French Women's Fencing Duel Stereoview Photograph Archive

[Women SPORTS] Six action shots of a women's fencing dual in the early 1900s. 4" x 6" each. Stereoview on cardboard mount. N.p. Captioned "Le Duel" with each photograph numbered. Historically, fencing has been primarily a men's sport, and though women have been fencing for hundreds of years, there was still heavy stigma against women taking up any sport. After WWI, many French fencing schools opened up classes for women to grow their economy. This act opened up the doors for women to eventually be allowed to fence in the Olympics in 1924. This set of six stereoviews showcase two women fencers with a female referee and a group of female viewers. Each stereoview (truncated) is numbered in the order of the duel; the first shows the two women facing each other with their swords down, the second and third show the women mid duel, and the last three show the victor heralding over the defeated opponent, with two women side by side helping her recover. Minor wear to edges, some sunning and wear to photos. Overall only good condition. (Inventory #: 18801)