Arms, Weapon, Armour & Militaria Valuations & Appraisals

Arms and armour is quite a specific area of the applied arts. It tells us about history, technique and men. For many centuries, arms and armour has been counted among the most essential displays of ostentation for high-ranking rulers and warriors as well as more simple pieces for the common soldier. If you'd like to get a militaria appraisal from our online specialist, simply upload a photograph and tell us any other details you know about the item. Within 48 hours, our specialist will consider the information provided and then send you your militaria, arms or armour valuation, including a printable certificate and a web certificate that can be used on internet selling platforms such as eBay.

Our Militaria, Arms & Armour Expert

We have two experts in this field. Our expert in Arms, Armour and Militaria was formerly Head of Sotheby's Worldwide Department of Arms, Armour and Militaria and assisted Sotheby's with sales in London, New York, Denmark, Zurich, Billingshurst and Hanover. The sale of works of art from the Royal House of Hanover included arms and armour which sold for £4,764,004 ($8,392,610) which continues to stand as a World Auction Record for an ancestral collection in this field. Now running his own business, he is an authority in the military collecting field. We also have a specialist in 20th century, mainly World War I and II, militaria which have become increasingly more collectable in recent years.

Get a valuation

It's quick and easy to get an expert valuation report.
Upload a photo of your item to get started

The Market for Arms, Armour and Militaria

This category covers a broad range of items, and a wide era: from Vikings’ swords made in the 9th century to 20th century buttons of military uniforms. A rare silver-inlaid Viking sword sold at Christie’s London, in December 2003 for £35,850. Examples of this sword, have been found all over Europe, reflecting the Vikings’ invasion. Arms and armour reflect the art-historical developments of their place of origin and culture. Whether they were made for parade or fight, many items were highly decorated, sometimes inlaid with precious materials (silver or gold), sometimes embossed with the finest designs and even gem incrusted. They were definitely treated as works of art.

In December 2009, Thomas Del Mar Ltd. sold an 18th century Turkish dagger for £60,000. It is enamelled and gem-set, with lapis-lazuli highlights and could undoubtedly be regarded as an antique Jewellery masterpiece.

Antique armours were ‘custom built’ and they now provide us with information about their owners’ physical aspect. It can be quite interesting/amusing to have a deeper look at some of them. In the exhibition ‘Henry VIII: Dressed to killed’ that took place a few months ago at the Tower of London, surviving armours known to have belonged to Henry VIII (1491-1547) were exhibited. It was particularly astounding to discover how strong he was and physically well built.

How to Determine the Value of Your Militaria

Apart from the aforementioned importance of quality of execution, attention to detail and innovative design, the provenance of the item can be paramount when thinking of selling. It can certainly add value to the item. The more you know about the item’s origin and can share with us, the more accurate we can be in our antiques appraisal. In November 2009, a sword awarded for bravery in 1810 to Jahleel Brenton, a Royal Navy sea captain, sold for £84,000 at Bonhams Knightsbridge, against a pre-sale estimate of £60,000-80,000. Jahleel Brenton fought a gallant action in the Bay of Naples. In 1810, the sword had a value of £100. Furthermore, General Nelson's purse sold for £270,650 on 21st October 2002, a simple item, but tremendously valuable due to its provenance.

Get your Arms, Armour & Militaria Valuation Today

If you'd like to get an online arms and armour antique appraisal from our online specialist, simply upload a photograph and tell us any other details you know about the item - be sure to let us know the dimensions of your pieces, as scale can be difficult to judge in a photograph. Within 48 hours, our specialist will consider the information provided and then send you your antique valuation, including a printable certificate and a web certificate that can be used on internet selling platforms such as eBay.