Help needed on buying Ancient Swords

[Guest]

I am new to this forum so I will introduce myself. My name is obviously Lucas Fischhaber. I am 20 yrs old and attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. I have been here for a year and a half and I have another two years left.

I have always wanted to collect ancient swords. However, I am unable to start my collection because I have no idea where I should start to look. Price is currently out of the question. All I want is the name of places who sell ancient swords and names of other people who would be able to help me start my collection. I browsed the antique sword section on e-bay, but, I would rather not use this site. I appreciate your time and efforts. Thank you!

L.T. Fischhaber

Go Army
Beat Navy!

[Hans Heim]

Hi Lucas,

perhaps look at http://www.hermann-historica.com, they sell really nice things.

Hans

[Guest]

Guten Tag Hans!

Vielen Dank fr Ihre Hilfe. I noticed your location is Germany, Bavaria. Both sides of my family came from that region. I know Europe is rich in history. The type of ancient sword I want is something that originated from the European region. Are there any places around where you live or around Europe that are worth mentioning? Thank you again.

Auf Vedersayen!
L. T. Fischhaber

[Guest]

Guten Tag Hans!

Vielen Dank fur Ihre Hilfe. I noticed your location is Germany, Bavaria. Both sides of my family came from that region. I know Europe is rich in history. The type of ancient sword I want is something that originated from the European region. Are there any places around where you live or around Europe that are worth mentioning? Thank you again.

Auf Vedersayen!
L. T. Fischhaber

[Guest]

Todd Sullivan recently asked me about on-line medieval sword sales when he interviewed Dan Maragni and myself. I believe the reply I gave him pretty much sums up my current thinking on the situation: "Anyone contemplating purchasing a medieval sword in an on-line store or auction house should exercise the most extreme caution. Pictures may allow you to discredit an item, but they can never prove it. My advice is to consider all antique swords sold on-line as fakes, until definitively proven otherwise. Yes, there are wonderful, authentic pieces that come up for sale on-line. Consider the reputation of the seller and the terms of their return policies very carefully."

As you are not yet able to jump in the market, use the time you have to learn more about these swords. A good starting place will be the several books on the subject by Ewart Oakeshott. Visit the Metropolitan Museum in NYC and the Kienbusch Collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There are many more great public collections in Europe. The major sales by Christie's and Sotheby's of arms and armour will ultimately be an important source. Also, many of the dealers who will ultimately be able to help you will exhibit at the London Park Lane Arms Fairs, February and, now, each fall.

And, of course, a plug for my own website on the subject; go straight to the 'collector's guide'.