Sword collecting is one of those pastimes that often starts accidentally or out of passion. You obtain your first sword via inheritance or purchase, show it, and then the love of the sword collection consumes you.
Most probably, you don’t know about the history of old swords at this time. However, you can rapidly learn the fundamentals and familiarize yourself with some basic information with a little investigation.
This beginner’s guide to sword collecting aims to give you an understanding of a sword’s anatomy, budget guidance, and some fundamental purchasing suggestions.
Ideally, it will increase your enthusiasm for these edged blades and help you develop a list of qualities to consider before adding new custom swords to your collection.
What Should You Know About the Anatomy of Swords?
Swords have changed over the ages as elements have been added and adjustments made to enhance their length, sharpness, and handling. A sword consists mostly of the blade and the hilt.
- The blade may be single or double-edged and can be used for cutting, thrusting, or both.
- The blade itself is divided into numerous sections, including the sharpened region used for slicing, the sharp end that curves to a point, and the rear of the blade section opposing the edge (not present on a double-edged sword).
- Additionally, a sword’s length has broader grooves to save weight without sacrificing strength (AKA the blood groove or gutter).
- The guard, grip, and pommel that make up the top portion of the handle, known as the hilt, are often constructed of leather, wire, or wood.
- The tang, which is a concealed element of the blade that is covered by the hilt and varies in thickness and breadth, is one of the many components of the hilt. It often extends through to the pommel.
- The pommel, which serves as a balance and keeps a sword from slipping out of hand, is the part of the sword where the hilt is situated. Additionally, a metal guard component that aids point control and sword movement prevents an adversary from severing your hand.
- Over time, manufacturers added other design elements to represent social status, military background, and the sword’s or soldier’s nation of origin.
- Scabbards, a protective sheath for blades made of wood, leather, steel, or brass, were supplied as standard equipment.
- Many swords also come with tassels, colorful woven materials looped around the hand to keep a weapon from falling.
What Budget Advice Should You Keep in Mind for Swords?
You probably won’t spend hundreds of dollars on ancient or rare weapons when you first start collecting swords. Set a reasonable budget instead, and start buying swords that fall within your budget.
Remember that building a collection of swords is a long-term passion that calls for expertise and patience.
Since so many are available, the simplest custom swords to acquire are military swords from the 19th and 20th centuries. As a consequence, they may be readily found and reasonably priced.
There are extremely few forgeries since the majority are in excellent shape and are widely available.
It’s a smart option for novice collectors to understand as much as possible about the swords that catch their attention before committing any money. You may better comprehend the available edged weapons and their worth by attending dealers’ and collectors’ exhibitions, routinely handling swords, and visiting an auction house.
You will rapidly be able to spend a little bit more money to buy higher-quality things as your expertise and confidence grow.
What Are Some Expert Tips for Buying Custom Swords?
Here are some fundamental sword collection suggestions to consider before you begin adding to your collection.
Learn and Advance: Concentrate on one specialty or time period and study all you can to become an expert in that field. Use your gut feeling; it will usually be accurate. You may start your quest for collecting swords after you have a strong base.
Affordability: Swords from the army are frequently less expensive than those from the navy unless they come from a prestigious regiment like the Grenadier Guards or Household Cavalry. Because there are more of them accessible, military swords from the 19th and 20th centuries are often the least expensive and simplest to acquire.
Condition: A genuine officer’s sword should not have a bent blade since it has likely not been in use. A sword’s hilt has to be firmly attached to the blade. The dealers could have changed any component if it felt loose.
Moreover, during cleaning, dealers may damage a blade, which would lower its value. A sword’s value decreases if it lacks a matching scabbard.
Original Work or A Replica: A sword’s blade and hilt should match its model, period, and place of manufacture. If the sword does not fit the era, take caution since it can have been refurbished.
The metals used to make blades in the past are quite different from the contemporary ones utilized now.
Remember this if an allegedly “antique” sword seems to be extremely contemporary. Since contemporary forgers lack the skill of historical sword manufacturers, recognizing a fake is not too difficult.
Think of Sword Collection as a Fun Investment
Antique sword collecting may be a profitable investment in addition to being a fascinating pastime. You may use online free resources to further your understanding, where you can get free publications authored by curators and specialists on swords.
Additionally, you may explore online sword museums to obtain comprehensive details and pictures of every blade. But as was already said, the categorization procedure might be quite difficult.
There are many swords readily accessible, whether you have the means to spend thousands of dollars on an alternative investment asset or only a few hundred pounds to pique your curiosity (and expand your collection).
Even while it happens sometimes, historically significant swords seldom get significant bids from professional collectors. Edged weapons, on the other hand, have recently seen a steady increase in value and have good price stability.
In the end, a rare or antique sword is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, just as with any other good or collectible. However, you shouldn’t let this discourage you from collecting since the activity is meant to be enjoyable, interesting, and rewarding.