Planning for your collection

[ariel]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

I have a good friend, now in his 80's, who has collected since he was in his early twenties. His collection is perhaps the most comprehensive Eastern edged weapon collection of which I am aware. His will states that the entire collection is to be auctioned exclusively for purchase by Australian collectors.

I am currently approaching 70. I intend to gradually decrease the size of my collection during the coming years. The items left at my decease will be left to my heirs with instructions on how best to dispose of them. Several items in my collection are possibly too important to be sold to the highest bidder; these items pose a considerable problem that I am still thinking about.

Aren't swords restricted in Australia?

[A. G. Maisey]

In Australia, legislation in respect of edged weapons is for the most part , state based legislation, not Commonwealth based legislation.

In some states there are restrictions on ownership of some edged weapons, in other states there are different restrictions.

I and my friend both live in NSW; currently ownership of swords is not prohibited in that state, however, there are expectations that this situation could change in the near future.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

In Australia, legislation in respect of edged weapons is for the most part , state based legislation, not Commonwealth based legislation.

In some states there are restrictions on ownership of some edged weapons, in other states there are different restrictions.

I and my friend both live in NSW; currently ownership of swords is not prohibited in that state, however, there are expectations that this situation could change in the near future.

Luckily we in New Zealand don't have a problem with edged weapons and are not likely to have in the foreseeable future! We would be REAL HAPPY to look after these for you!
Seriously though, the thoughts on disposal of ones collection are well to the forefront of collectors minds here also. If you are a member of an organisation such as the NZ Antique Arms Assn, then specify in your Will, disposal thru one of their auctions or, if you have a fellow collector YOU CAN TRUST, then assign the disposal to him/her. We hear of too many items which due to ignorance or disinterest, are just dumped, though happily this practice is getting less and less.
Regards Stuart