The Royal Armouries are one of the best place to start if you are looking to see some real weapons that survived through the ages. There is a lot to learn by visiting their website.
The Royal Armouries provides quality information about some of the most legendary battles in history.
Battles like:
- The Battle of Plataea
- The Battle of ‘Ain Jalut
- The Battle of Crécy
- The Siege of Constantinople
- and many more…
There are 4 locations if you are planning to visit any of the Royal Armouries sites.
You wont regret it!
The story behind the evolution of the Scottish swords is like no other. Most of these swords stemmed out from the original Claymore swords, which were by nature two-handed, massive double edged swords that were used by the fierce Scottish Highlanders way back in the 16th century down to the 18th. These swords were designed to allow both slashing and cleaving techniques in fighting. Because of that, claymores were the popular weapon of choice for most highlanders, especially during the days of feuds between the English clans.
The design for these claymore swords was distinct. They sported, downward sloping armed cross-hilts that looked like a four-leaf clover (called quatrefoils) at the tips. These swords were naturally heavy and required a lot of strength in order for one to effectively wield them. They were at least four and a half feet long, with the steel blade being around four feet long. It also weighed around five or more pounds.
There were also variations of this traditional Scottish sword. There were claymore swords that were relatively smaller than the average ones and they used a basket hilt rather than a crossed one. The basket hilts were designed to effectively protect the wielder’s hand during combat. This, like the simple claymore sword, also became a popular weapon among many Scottish soldiers, and it even became symbolic in many ceremonies in the British army.
Today, these Scottish swords turned vast into variations and improvements to attract all sword collectors and enthusiasts out there looking for a bit of Scottish touch in their collection. You will find that most of the features you need to look out for when getting your own piece of Scottish sword is the hilt, because that’s where most of the design is.
But if you’re into all the specs, the Scottish sword is full of surprises as well. Don’t underestimate the design and durability of the blade. They look quite different from that of the other types of collectible swords. This alone is an indication that getting a Scottish sword will definitely give richer variation to your display of replica swords.
If you already have a wide and growing collection of replica guns or some other type of guns from the Wild West, and then why not try adding some Western Rifles Replicas into the picture? The rifle was also a popular firearm in the Wild West, used by law enforcers and outlaws alike. These guns are characterized with a longer barrel compared to the small pistol, which is why they are shot from the shoulder and held with both hands.
In fact, the effectiveness of the old style rifles gave inspiration to the creation of more sophisticated gun types. They were designed with the same principles as the old rifle. They were long and held with two hands as well. Some of these popular contemporary weapons include the automatic rifles.
But despite these new age rifles, fans of the Wild West prefer to keep their collection within the traditional western style rifles. This is why Western Rifles Replicas are such an important set of collectibles to many hobbyists.
The Old West Rifles Replicas have different great designs. Take for example the M1866 Western Rifle with a Brass Finish. This rifle’s wooden stock and fore grip is given a brass finish to match how shiny they looked back in the old days. The color of the brass bended slightly with the remaining parts of the gun made of iron and mostly wood.
Another great design for a Western Replica Rifle would be the M1892 Western Lever Action Rifle Antique Finish. The rifle had an antique look to it thanks to its finish, making it great for display as it give the impression that the gun has been around for a long time already.
These rifles were used not only for gun fights, but for hunting as well. So when it comes to displaying these replica rifles in your home, nothing beats putting them up on a wall right next to some buffalo heads or above the fireplace, just like how they kept them in the old days. An avid fan of the Wild West should not be without the Western Rifles Replicas.
Kids shouldn’t be the only ones who should play with toy guns. In fact, there are lots of grown individuals who take up the passion of collecting replica guns to a level beyond playing. These replica western guns are made based on the actual guns that were once used in the Wild West, or they could also be based on guns which were used by actors in famous movies. Either case, these replica guns are much sought after by cowboy fans and the like because of their aesthetic and collector’s value.
Even those who don’t really have that much interest in memorabilia of the Old Wild West can find some form of satisfaction of having a replica gun in their display. These western guns replicas are made such a way that they will look good on anybody’s living room, especially for those who live in houses that have a timber ambience. It’s really just about who looks at it and how they look at it.
One such western gun replica is the Texas Rangers Frames Set, which are replica guns based on the actual props that were used on the hit movie Texas Rangers. This movie, directed by Steve Miner, was based on a group of Rangers who lived around Mexico and fought against outlaws in their territory.
There’s also the Jesse James Collection Framed Set, which was based on the gun used by the famous Jesse James, an American outlaw known for his exploits in the Civil War. This western gun replica was based on both the factual accounts and the scenes in the movie where the character of Jesse James appeared.
One thing that collectors should know, however, is that these guns are mere non-firing replicas. So don’t expect to have these replicas fully functional like some swords would be. But in any case, these replica guns come in wonderfully themed sets. They can either be framed or can be displayed on a box. These sets also come with certificates of authenticity for display as well. Real fans of cowboys and the Wild West should not be without a collection of replica guns.
Medieval helmets are a kind of armor worn by the warriors of the medieval times to protect their heads from most types of injuries and attacks on the head. The head, being a sensitive part of the body, needs to be protected while in the heat of battle, after all. While the warrior must also wear other kinds of armor to fit all over the body, the medieval helm is very important for one’s own protection.
Of course we don’t use these kinds of medieval helmets nowadays, simply because we don’t need that much protection on our heads anymore. The helmets that soldiers wear to war are those that are suited to ward off bullets rather than swords. People who ride or drive motorcycles wear a different kind of helmet for safety purposes while driving. Athletes of a contact sport also sport a certain kind of helmet during competitions to protect their heads from severe injury.
So these medieval helms are not really as useful now as they were before. But this is not to say that they don’t have any value. In fact, many collectors look for these helms because of their historical and aesthetic significance.
Medieval helmets vary in as many ways the medieval swords did, depending on the kind of people that used them. For example, the Crusader Helmet was used by the Crusader, a type of knight who held a higher rank in the medieval times. Unlike most helmets that left most of the wearer’s face open, the Crusader Helmet covered the entire face, leaving only a few holes for breathing and for the eyes to see through. This added protection, however, was at the cost of the wearer’s vision in battle.
On the other hand, the Greco Roman Crest Helmet had a distinct design that the Romans wore during the war. They had brush-like, horsehair crest attached to the top of the helmets, and these helmets were worn by generals and military leaders.
Aside from the fact that they make a great addition to your medieval weapons collection, medieval helmets are ideal for re-enactments and displays.
Japanese swords are those swords which were forged using the sword making traditions of Japan. Their distinction from other sword classes lies in the form of their blade, which is in fact curved and one sided as opposed to other types of swords which are usually sharp on both sides of the blade and is straight. Japanese swords are also meant to be lighter and sharper, since its effectiveness greatly relies of the speed and agility of the one using them.
Back then you really can’t collect Japanese swords much because they were outlawed after the World War II, which meant all forms of productions of Japanese swords were banned and it was illegal for you to have one unless you were a member of the police force or have a government permit. But later on this changed and the laws against production and possession of Japanese swords were amended, thanks to the recognition of the historical and artistic values of these swords. As sword collectors drew closer to the new class of sword collectibles, this brought out a new market in the sword making industry.
This change on the perception of the use of civilian swords has given rise to currently known sword makers like Paul Chen who is now among the best in the creation of modern Japanese swords. He usually creates these swords using the tradition methods of forging so you really get the actual type of swords that were used during the old days. Paul Chen’s sword making career started out when he wanted to add to the antique sword collection of his grandfather. So as early as eight years old, sword forging became his passion. After thirty years of studying with both Chinese and Japanese experts, he finally made his way through the industry to where he is now.
With the Japanese sword making industry on the rise you shouldn’t miss out on the new releases of great Japanese swords from popular forges. Japanese swords will always be a creative, unique and artistic way of adding to your sword collection. These swords are also ideal for those who are teaching themselves to use them.
The double edge sword is probably the most common sword that was carried by knights in the medieval time. You can see a real specimen in the British Museum.
This sword is the real thing, this English sword was probably owned by a very rich man. Visit the British museum and learn more about this amazing weapon.
While toy guns are generally meant for kids, they shouldn’t be the only ones who can have all the fun. It has been a pastime among many professionals as well as other people of all ages to collect replicas of guns that were once used as real weapons. For many people, even those who do not really consider themselves as real collectors or fanatics of replica guns, having these look-alike pieces of the real thing adds either aesthetic or historical value, all depending on who looks and how one looks at it.
For instance, the Texas Rangers Framed set is a replica of the actual props that were used by the stars of Texas Rangers, a movie directed by Steve Miner which revolves around a band of Rangers who were formed a company dedicated to upholding the law around Mexican soil. Since this was a very popular film back in its day, fans have sought memorabilia to have for their own, and among them are these prized replica Western guns.
On the other hand, collections like the Jesse James Collection Framed Set were inspired by both the movie and the factual bases of the character, Jesse James, who was an American outlaw known for his notorious for his exploits during the Civil War. Regardless of whether he was a hero or a criminal, he was well known nonetheless. He also had a brother named Frank James with whom he shared his glory as well as the Frank & Jesse James Boxed Set.
Other replica guns are sought for not because they were part of some famous film but simply because of their unique model, such as that of the Sheriff’s Framed Set, which is actually a type of gun used by law enforcers in the Wild West.
But in short, replica guns are indeed a mentionable item for all sorts of collectibles. Despite the strict regulations on shipping even non-firing guns, Old West pistols like the Wyatt Earp Collector’s Classic remain in demand for many buyers. They come complete with frames and boxes as well as accessories such as posters to best suit the collector’s tastes.
Medieval swords can add pride and glory to any weapon collector. These swords of the medieval period had very innovative designs. Many of them also had etchings on the blade.
In this article, we talk about some medieval swords which should be present in the collection of a weapon collector. These swords are very exquisitely designed and do not come cheap. These swords are expensive. Remember, all beautiful things in life come at a price, right!
The Scottish claymore sword is one of the most prominent medieval swords. The Scottish sword is a sword used by the Scottish highlanders. This sword is a two handed sword and it has a cross hilt. The Scottish swords were used by the highlanders of Scotland to fight against the English between the 15th and 17th century. The length of this sword is approximately about 140 cms inclusive of the grip and the blade. The blade alone spans a length of 42” and weighs 2.5 kilograms.
Another sword worth its presence in the collection of weapons is the Longsword. The longsword was used extensively in the European countries in the period between the 13th and 17th centuries. Every part of the longsword is used for offensive purposes in a combat. The grip of the sword is 6”in length and the blade of the sword is 35” long. The blades are double edged and weigh anywhere between 1 kg to 2kgs. This is the sword that you see people holding with both hands while in combat. The longsword is a multipurpose sword because it is used for striking, cutting and thrusting. Now that makes it a wonderful sword, doesn’t it!
The Rapier is a beautiful and aesthetically designed sword which is a must buy for a sword collector. This sword was used greatly in the European countries in the 16th and 17th centuries. This sword is long and slender and has a sharply pointed tip which is why it was mainly used as a thrusting weapon. The Rapier has a complex hilt which is aesthetically designed to provide protection to the user’s hand. The blade of the sword is about 1 meter long and .98” in width and weighs about 1 kg.
The Flamberge is another sword with a unique design which can adorn your collection. The blade of this sword is shaped in the form of waves which imparts a flame like structure. Hence, this blade is also called the flame-bladed sword. The blade was designed in the form of waves because during combat, these swords would cause friction and vibrations that would slow down the opponent’s sword.