Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 12th July 2008, 11:24 PM

If I were to describe my perspective on antique weapons, I would say I would be considered an arms and armor historian, and my objective has always been to try to identify examples as well as learn from the weapon as it stands. Therefore I have little interest in reproduction weapons as I cannot learn from them, and I do not any longer collect weapons, just study them. The only thing I can usually learn from these is to review the data often researched by those who make them, and in most cases quite reliable historically in a general sense.

While I admire the beautiful work done by those who create many of the modern reproductions, they really serve no purpose for examination for historic content. On the other hand, they do serve nicely for displays or often in reenactment groups, and typically give good representation in the study of martial dynamics and recreating historic events. Essentially they are typically (hopefully) well researched and reasonably faithfully fashioned.

I think one of the main problems with reproductions in I think limited cases, are those fashioned too well, that is intended to deceive. Some makers are really that good! In the 19th century, the almost legendary case of the German artisan Ernst Schmidt, who created such amazing copies of medieval and renaissance arms and armor for Victorian collectors and the smoking rooms of the gentry, many could not be discerned from originals. These products have now become antiques in thier own right, and on some occasions have still provided unfortunate surprises for even knowledgable collectors.
Most of this type of problem today are the 'mules'. That is a weapon comprised of composite components, often period components, though some reproduced, and the weapon represented as homogenous and original.

I do know of a number of individuals who faithfully restore authentic historic pieces, and who maintain conservative application to preserve the integrity of the weapon. They are straightforward in thier work, and openly describe whatever work is done. It is essential to learn as much as you can and research the weapons you are acquiring, and deal with known dealers and individuals...caveat emptor!

12th July 2008, 11:24 PM	#14
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,173	If I were to describe my perspective on antique weapons, I would say I would be considered an arms and armor historian, and my objective has always been to try to identify examples as well as learn from the weapon as it stands. Therefore I have little interest in reproduction weapons as I cannot learn from them, and I do not any longer collect weapons, just study them. The only thing I can usually learn from these is to review the data often researched by those who make them, and in most cases quite reliable historically in a general sense. While I admire the beautiful work done by those who create many of the modern reproductions, they really serve no purpose for examination for historic content. On the other hand, they do serve nicely for displays or often in reenactment groups, and typically give good representation in the study of martial dynamics and recreating historic events. Essentially they are typically (hopefully) well researched and reasonably faithfully fashioned. I think one of the main problems with reproductions in I think limited cases, are those fashioned too well, that is intended to deceive. Some makers are really that good! In the 19th century, the almost legendary case of the German artisan Ernst Schmidt, who created such amazing copies of medieval and renaissance arms and armor for Victorian collectors and the smoking rooms of the gentry, many could not be discerned from originals. These products have now become antiques in thier own right, and on some occasions have still provided unfortunate surprises for even knowledgable collectors. Most of this type of problem today are the 'mules'. That is a weapon comprised of composite components, often period components, though some reproduced, and the weapon represented as homogenous and original. I do know of a number of individuals who faithfully restore authentic historic pieces, and who maintain conservative application to preserve the integrity of the weapon. They are straightforward in thier work, and openly describe whatever work is done. It is essential to learn as much as you can and research the weapons you are acquiring, and deal with known dealers and individuals...caveat emptor!