Higgins Armory Museum closed -- myArmoury.com

Julien M · Posted: Wed 19 Mar, 2014 3:01 pm Post subject: Higgins Armory Museum closed

http://www.higgins.org/

Though I had received the auction catalog by Thomas Del Mar Ltd last year, I wasn't aware the museum would permanently close its doors. Quoting: "Arrangements have been made for the unique collection to be integrated into the Worcester Art Museum".

Robin Smith · Posted: Wed 19 Mar, 2014 6:40 pm Post subject:

Yeah, this has been in the works for awhile. Thats why the Hurstwic guys got a new location

Danny Grigg · Posted: Sat 22 Mar, 2014 5:38 pm Post subject:

Julien

Can you give me some details about the "Thomas Del Mar" catalogue?
Are they selling items from the Higgins Armory?
Is the catalogue available to download digitally?

There is still the following links to the collection where you can search for items:

http://www.higgins-collection.org/
http://users.wpi.edu/~virtualarmory/Collectio...y4uPE2KBD_

Thanks

Danny

Glen A Cleeton · Posted: Sat 22 Mar, 2014 5:56 pm Post subject:

Bob Hurley

Hello,
I'm new to myArmoury.com and this is a first time forum post.
Is everyone aware of the Higgins Museum in MA closing and the sale of some of the armor? Thomas Del Mar auction company has up for sale several full harnesses of armor, some composite and some reproduction from the museum, along with a number of swords, pole arms, etc. The most stunning is a composite Maximilian suit with an unusual grotesque face on the front of the visor.

There are really some amazing pieces at this auction, and i would encourage anyone with an interest in armor or weapons to take a look at these. I'd also be interested in anyone's opinions on authenticity and true value. I am considering bidding on a few pieces, but concerned about the overall price plus the 20% buyers premium plus shipping back to the US from London.
Here is the website. If you click on the catalog, you can browse the full collection of the pieces on sale. I only wish I could buy all of these! Hopefully I won't be bidding against any of you, now that I've posted this.

http://www.thomasdelmar.com

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Chad Arnow · myArmoury Team

Bob,
Welcome to myArmoury.com. Happy

I've merged your topic with a previous one on the same subject.

Bob Haynes · Posted: Mon 21 Apr, 2014 9:06 pm Post subject:

Well, the moral of this story is kids, don't take too long about going on your dream visits.
I was really looking forward to going to the Higgins someday and have actually been making plans with my family to go out there someday.

Like a passed love one, still, it still has a location in which we can all visit- in our hearts.
Anyone have any memories they'd like to share?

I know it sounds like a funeral, but I wasn't being cute with that last line, I seriously wouldn't mind hearing more about the Higgins.

Bob Hurley · Posted: Tue 22 Apr, 2014 2:26 am Post subject:

The good news is that most of the armor has been transferred to the Worcester Art Museum and my understanding is that they have a good portion of it on display currently, and planning for a larger display. It might be worth checking out. Yesterday I was also searching online for other museums with significant collections of arms and armor and of course the MET in New York came up. I was pleased to see that the entire collection is viewable online although it would be munch more impressive in person, it gives you an idea of what is in the collection - very impressive. You can still take your trip, and maybe it the MET in New York as well! if even in Chicago, our Art Institute has a nice collection of Arms and Armor too. The entire collection is not on display though, just a grouping. What they have out is very nice and presented well.

Bob

Mark Griffin · Posted: Tue 22 Apr, 2014 9:38 am Post subject:

If anyone is going I'll see you there. Got some bits at the last sale but the dealers cleared up on most things. Some of the prices listed in the catalogue may well double so I'm going prepared to be disappointed. :-( But you never know, lady luck might smile.

Bob Hurley · Posted: Tue 22 Apr, 2014 10:13 am Post subject: auction in London

I won't be going to this one, but am considering bidding on a few halberds and possibly a few of the stained glass windows that I really like. The estimates do seem pretty reasonable, but you also have to add 20% for the buyers premium plus shipping and any miscellaneous charges. I've emailed them about estimated shipping charges on a few pieces, but no replies yet.

The Maximilian with the grotesque face and the Italian etched harness is really nice, but that would come to quite a bit to buy either. Did you see that the stand and forms used to display the armor are not included? Those can be purchased for an extra fee, but they don't say what that fee is. You would think since they have been used together for so many years, they would simply include with the armor, but I suppose they want to make the most profit possible from the sale.

Good luck to you in the auction. Hope we are not bidding on the same things!