What are you sources to find antique weapons ?( internet, shop, places, etc... )

Mefidk · 2nd May 2012, 12:57 PM

Hi DanielUka

I think it rather depends, each of us probably has their own network and ways to get hold of these things. I guess a lot does depend on where you are situated - e.g. there is a lot of good stuff on ebay, but that may not be much help if you are in the EU and may be subject to all kinds of import restrictions and difficulties. ebay.co.uk does not even allow antique weapons on the site, and some postal systems will not knowingly carry them (e.g. DK).

Arms fairs are really good if you can get to them, and there are also masses of auctions often catering for international buyers. Often the information supplied here is of poor quality though, so if possible its better to get to the arms fair and actually handle the items before you buy.

For me probably the best way is through network of collectors and sellers who know what kind of thing I'm interested in and will sometimes tip me the wink if they spot anything.

If all that fails, then there is also the swap forum here.

...but I guess the short answer is "anyway we can"

Chris

David · 2nd May 2012, 03:29 PM

I think it depends, to a certain extent, what you are looking for.
I have found some of my best buys in antique flea markets that don't specialize in arms because the dealers don't really know what they have. I have also found some good stuff at gun shows, maybe because the antique edged weapons are of secondary interest to people there. I also monitor eBay and have had some good luck there. You can still find margins these days, but it is a bit of a crap shoot sometimes. But frankly, the large majority of my purchases come from reputable dealers who do specialize in my particular field of study. Most, in fact, come from a single, trusted dealer.

2nd May 2012, 12:57 PM	#1
Mefidk Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Denmark Posts: 157	Hi DanielUka I think it rather depends, each of us probably has their own network and ways to get hold of these things. I guess a lot does depend on where you are situated - e.g. there is a lot of good stuff on ebay, but that may not be much help if you are in the EU and may be subject to all kinds of import restrictions and difficulties. ebay.co.uk does not even allow antique weapons on the site, and some postal systems will not knowingly carry them (e.g. DK). Arms fairs are really good if you can get to them, and there are also masses of auctions often catering for international buyers. Often the information supplied here is of poor quality though, so if possible its better to get to the arms fair and actually handle the items before you buy. For me probably the best way is through network of collectors and sellers who know what kind of thing I'm interested in and will sometimes tip me the wink if they spot anything. If all that fails, then there is also the swap forum here. ...but I guess the short answer is "anyway we can" Chris

2nd May 2012, 03:29 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218	I think it depends, to a certain extent, what you are looking for. I have found some of my best buys in antique flea markets that don't specialize in arms because the dealers don't really know what they have. I have also found some good stuff at gun shows, maybe because the antique edged weapons are of secondary interest to people there. I also monitor eBay and have had some good luck there. You can still find margins these days, but it is a bit of a crap shoot sometimes. But frankly, the large majority of my purchases come from reputable dealers who do specialize in my particular field of study. Most, in fact, come from a single, trusted dealer.