Arms, Armour & Militaria

Arms and armour stretches from ancient times to modern conflicts, with weapons ranging from swords and clubs to firearms, armour including helmets and shields, and militaria such as medals, uniforms, flags and ephemera.

Medals and militaria are often sold at auction as specialised categories, with arms and armour sales also held.


Tipu Sultan sword

Rediscovered Tipu Sultan swords from Cornwall’s Port Eliot to be auctioned at Christie’s

21 September 2023

Two previously unrecorded Tipu Sultan swords have been consigned to Christie’s from descendants of Charles, 1st Marquess Cornwallis (1738-1805) who live at stately home Port Eliot in Cornwall.

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Cavalry charges into history at Omdurman

18 September 2023

Australian saleroom Abacus Auctions will feature a compact but significant collection of medals formed by British expatriate Dr Cecil Walkley.

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Auction houses hold sales to coincide with prestigious Coinex event

18 September 2023

The Coinex extravaganza brings out the big guns of the UK numismatics trade alongside continental European dealers.

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Bravery recognised by Montgomery

18 September 2023

This Second World War Distinguished Conduct Medal group of five was awarded to Serjeant John Chapman of the 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers.

Coin Yearbook features special Anglo-Saxon spotlight

18 September 2023

The latest edition of the Coin Yearbook is published this month.

Smallest penknife

Is this the world’s smallest penknife?

30 August 2023

This tiny opening pocketknife is about the size of a 1p coin.

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Robert E Lee button bonanza

21 August 2023

Defeated Confederate general gave out uniform items as gifts until the government cracked down

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Nidhogg nestles in Yggdrasil: a Viking bronze die for armour

14 August 2023

A fine example of Viking metalworking was offered at Noonans (24% buyer’s premium) in Mayfair on July 18.

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Nurse’s Boer War belt bought by private museum

07 August 2023

A silver and gold presentation belt given to a civilian volunteer nurse who looked after the sick and wounded during the Siege of Ladysmith during the second Boer War has soared over estimate in a London auction.

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Victoria Cross value – without the actual VC

07 August 2023

Such was the notoriety of Gunner James Collis that his family did not attend the funeral even though he had three sons in the army.

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RAF collector swooped on rare medals combo

07 August 2023

It may be stating the obvious, but collectors acquire militaria for many different reasons within that market.

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Science works from big hitters attract new fans

24 July 2023

Collecting genre is being boosted by fresh bidders with deep pockets who work in the technology sector

Gold box

Pick of the week: Well done to naval hero Waldegrave

17 July 2023

The practice of presenting gold and enamel swords and freedom boxes, already popular in England in the 18th century, became more widespread during the Napoleonic Wars.

Multi-blade penknife

Pick of the week: Knives collection proves a cut above

10 July 2023

An amazing penknife proved a cut above in a sale from the David Hayden-Wright collection of antique knives offered at west London saleroom Olympia Auctions.

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Brown Bess triggers a five-figure auction bid

19 June 2023

Despite its many shortcomings in terms of accuracy and reliability, the flintlock Long Land Pattern smoothbore musket – or Brown Bess to give it its more familiar nickname – remained in use from 1722 until the introduction of the percussion cap in 1838.

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UK arms and armour dealer Singh’s big draw in Paris

05 June 2023

One of the overseas dealers who will be showing at The Pagoda for Printemps Asiatique Paris is the UK dealer Runjeet Singh.

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Mary medal is one of just two known

01 May 2023

To say that a mid-16th century gold medal that was auctioned by Künker (25% buyer’s premium) in Osnabrück during the sale of March 16-24 is rare would be quite an understatement.

Nelson bust

Nelson memorabilia busts expectations at Dorset auction

17 April 2023

Nelson memorabilia from a private collection in Devon was keenly fought over at Duke’s Spring auction.

Military costume

Pick of the week: Old Romantics who loved to dress up

03 April 2023

This military tunic was worn by the English soldier and friend of the Romantic poets Edward John Trelawny during the Greek War of Independence.

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Massive collection of Second World War pictures recall dealers' boyhood

03 April 2023

A personal collection of Second World War pictures compiled by dealer John Noott over more than 40 years is on display at the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum.

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