Gene,
In this case it is relatively easy. Visit museums, auction houses, and other places where you are likely to find the weapons you are interested in, Handle them if possible, but do remember their form and the decoration, At one point you will find weapons of which the provenience is without any doubt, pay special attention to these weapons and their decoration. Next time you see a weapon like that, compare it to the one you saw earlier, and see how many things they have in common. After some time you will be able to tell, but remember it takes time – I have collected for many years, and I am still learning.
Jens
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