[Dashiell Harrison]

Hi All,

I'm interested in acquiring an antique broadsword or backsword at some point and I was wondering what I should expect to pay for one in decent condition, where to look for them, and also any advice for avoiding fakes. I'm more interested in earlier, Napoleonic Wars and before swords, although I recognize that that means they'll be more expensive and probably in worse condition.

I'm most interested in swords from the British Isles and I figure those are probably going to be some of the most readily available antiques, but wouldn't be adverse to looking swords from other nations as well.

I'm not planning to purchase anything right now, got a wedding and a down-payment to save up for, but I figure it'd be a good idea to start educating myself now before I'm actively looking to buy.

Any advice or guidance is appreciated.

[Arne G.]

You could try Collector's Armoury California - they're in Culver City, CA and specialize in antiques of this sort. They also have listings on eBay - here's a link to their profile: https://www.ebay.com/str/collectorsarmourycalifornia?_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l161211

They've been around a very long time - I've visited their shop a number of times over the years (since 1992, when I moved out here). You'd have to noodle around on eBay and their website to see what they currently have, but I imagine you'll find something.