[D. Bell]

As I start to add one off and custom pieces to my collection, it occurs to me that should I have the misfortune to have my collection stolen replacing these would be next to impossible. Even looking at the production pieces I own, I note that a number are now discontinued, and then there is the sentimental value these hold regardless of price or availability. In short, even if insurance covered the financial cost of the swords etc, rebuilding my collection is not something I ever want to have to do.

So I ask you, what measures do you take to safeguard your collection, and have these measures ever been put to the test? I've heard people mention on occasion that they keep their collection in a safe, or hidden out of sight somewhere, and while this may end up being what is necessary, it seems a pity to me that you can't just glance over and admire an item you've spent a lot of time and money on, so I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has a display case they believe offers some security, or any other solution to this dilemma.

[Russ Thomas]

Hi,

Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot one can really do against a determined thief. I have heard of a collector in England, who had a whole room specially built and strengthened inside his house, just to house his weapons collection, a sort of mini Fort Knox. A nice idea, if you have the room and the available funds.
The thought of having my swords and armour etc. stolen and the problems with their security, was a contributing factor to my selling off my collection. However, if your collection is not too large there are some good gunsafes on the market, which are a good way of detering a thief. Having your house alarmed up to the local police station is also a good idea, not too cheap, but it can significantly reduce your household insurance. It may also be possible to have a small display, say five or six pieces out at any one time, fully insured, but without seriously altering your houshold insurance. It is worth checking your policy for this.

Regards,

Russ

[Jeremy V. Krause]

I have a funny story about this,

My place was robbed a few months ago and they took electronics (3 video game systems, Camera, Laptop) My swords were right there, even my new custom seax which is worth quite a bit, and conviniently sized as well.

Truth is most thieves, I don't think will steal swords and stuff. They are too big- plus a pawn shop wouldn't give them very much at all for this stuff as they wouldn't even really know what it is worth. I was actually very pleasantly surprised!

I don't think most robbers really get that sort of thing- just want some drugs or whatever. Just my thought.

Jeremy

[Ed Toton]

Of course, you can also prominently display some cheaper, but very pretty wall-hanger SLOs, and they likely won't be able to tell which ones are the expensive ones.

[Jean Thibodeau]

[J. Pav]

Booby traps.

Get creative. Say you have a gun-rack style display? Build hidden wires with copper contacts where the blade rests. One touch of the sword without hitting the hidden switch? ZAP!

Or you could do something less painful. Figure a way to rig the swords so that when they are touched, an alarm goes off. Ever see those desk-lamps that turn on when you just touch the base or any other metal part of it? There MUST be a way to gut one of those things, and rig the internals like I described.
Or run a charge through the blade. Once the blade is removed from the display the circuit is broken, tripping an alarm.


Ever see that Discovery Channel show, "It Takes a Thief"? The biggest deterrent is inability to conveniently enter the building. Keep doors and windows locked, have motion-sensing security lights, and a security system if you can afford it(and make sure to actively maintain it since many let it slip from their mind, leaving the home with an unarmed and useless security system).

It's been pretty well stated that someone who damn well intends to get something from you will find a way, but a casual thief is looking for something quick and easy. Make your home neither.

[Jeremy V. Krause]

I have found myself wondering how much a typical pawn shop would give for say a $700 albion. I'm thinking $75. I guess if one of us ever happened upon one we might be able to get away with maybe $200.

Funny thought,

Jeremy

[Stu C]

I would say take all the obvious precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight, locking doors, keeping windows locked and closed, monitored alarm system, etc. Also, get to know your neighbours so you can watch out for each other. Beyond that, if a thief wants your stuff, he *will* get it (I know this from bitter experience -- a thief basically demolished my last kitchen a few years ago to remove a safe that contained minimal valuables).

The thing to remember is that your swords are just 'stuff' you might think you love 'em, but they are never going to be more than bits of metal. In the kitchen demolishing episode, which cost a good $20,000 what was I most worried about? Yep, the cat (my girlfriend was with me, so I didn't need to worry about her). Fortunately she (the cat, not the girlfriend) had jumped out of the window the burglars broke to gain entry and came skulking back that evening once she had gotten over her fright.

After that I got a very prominent alarm system with PIRs, glass break sensors, etc. At least that way the neighbours might pay some attention when three swarthy blokes walk out of the house with all my stuff, including a concrete encrusted safe. Sigh.

Stu

[Revan Delkaoth]

Hi I am new to this group, but have been a blacksmith for three years and am currently an apprentice bladesmith. (in status)

Now, I do not know how many of you have your own forge, but why not forge a decorative cage that spans one wall within a few inches of the swords and knives. The bars are just close enough together that a sword could not be pulled thorugh. polish the steel bars nice and pretty to match the burnish of the blades, bolt it onto the 2x4's in the wall, put double-barrel hinges on one end and a tough lock on the other and wham! you have a nice-looking, nigh impenetrable, effetive system....

Just my thought.

[R D Moore]

[Russ Thomas]

[Jonathan Atkin]

if you have a small guest room why not just make that your collections room, bars on the windows steel hallway door (making sure your steel door is attached to something fairly sturdy doors all well and good but if its attached to some ply wood ...) and theres also 2 german shepards option

[Thomas Jason]

There are insurance companies that specialize in collectible weapons such as firearms,swords militaria, etc. I would suggest a policy from them as you are going to have a huge fight on your hand with your homeowners policy...

[Bryce Felperin]

My apartment is easy to break into, so I put my valuables in a gun safe. Sure a professional would be able to break into that, but no professional thief would ever go near my dumpy apartment complex and expect to find anything valuable there. :-)

Old saying a friend a long time ago told me: "Locks are for keeping honest people honest. Dishonest people will always find a way to be dishonest."

I also have renters insurance just in case.

Bryce

[Bill Sahigan]

IMO, I don't think one should give up something ones loves simply because of (irrational) fear. If the fear that your collection is going to be stolen out weighs the enjoyment you get by _having_ that collection... then why did you collect it in the first place?

[Thom R.]

I have written about this before, so I'll stick with the readers digest version, but while I appreciate the "why worry don't be paranoid" sentiment, you will be singing a different tune when $10000+ of your armoury is lifted and you spend 7 years fighting with your insurance company to collect. i know - i have been there and done that. otoh its nice to display them so I now take sort of an in-between approach where most of my stuff is locked up in a gun safe (for safety reasons as well as security) and I display a few at a time. Then I rotate every month or so which has the additional benefit of making me periodically examine all of my swords and properly maintain them. For safety reasons I lock up my sharps and guns anyway (I have kids). but this is in the category of "different strokes for different folks", everyone's situation is different. The only tip I have that is probably useful is if you do decide to get a gun safe get the next biggest one you can afford because everyone I know who has bought one has traded it in and upgraded within two years. tr

[Sam Barris]

How about a German Shepherd? Best home protection money can buy. Alarm system, deterrant and guardian, all in one furry package.

[D. Bell]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I hope I'm not the only one finding this useful.

I don't have my own place yet, but when I do, having a room I can fortify and use as a display room will definitely be a bonus. Add in a bookshelf, comfy chair, and computer and you've got a nice office, just have to make sure you don't leave the spare key somewhere it can be found.

I don't know how keen I am on a big dog since I've always been a cat person, but they're probably among the best deterrents so it's worth thinking about. An alarm and good security in general should also help deter would be thieves.

The decorative cage sounds like an interesting idea, I don't have the skills to make something like that myself, but I'm sure I could find someone. As with the gun safe, building it large enough to incorporate a growing collection would be wise.

Checking that the insurance will cover my collection before I'm trying to make a claim will have to go on my to do list.

[Stu C]

[Bram Verbeek]

I know it is very hard to guard against intruders. I often was locked out of my parent's house when younger (I still have the nasty habit of forgetting my keys all too often, some things don't change too well). And I have found a way in most of the time. I never trained it, I just look for gaps, someone trained might fare a lot better.
If you wish to build a safe, use reinforced concrete encased by both sides in sheet metal and pay very close attention to the hinges and locks. A safe can be built in effectively by welding concrete reinforcement bars to it and casting concrete around it (make sure it is fixed to foundation or something alike by interconnecting more reinforcement, and do not use only one angle), or use chemical anchors. Probably you'll spend more on the door than on the rest of the safe.