Museums

  • The Anne S. K. Brown Military Collection: This collection is the foremost American collection of material devoted to the history and iconography of soldiers and soldiering and to the study of military and naval uniforms. It was formed over a period of forty years by the late Mrs. John Nicholas Brown (1906-1985) of Providence and is still growing. It contains approximately 12,000 printed books, 18,000 albums, sketchbooks, scrapbooks and portfolios, (containing thousands of prints and drawings), and over 13,000 individual prints, drawings and water-colors as well as a collection of 5,000 miniature lead soldiers. Formerly in the Brown family residence (the Nightingale-Brown House, 1791), the entire collection (which was probably the largest private military collection in the world), was presented to Brown University and transferred to Special Collections located in the John Hay Library in 1982.
  • The Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House: is an historical and unique institute. This web site has assembled a store of documents and artifacts of real interest.
  • The Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West houses the most comprehensive collection of American firearms in the world.
  • The Frazier Historical Arms Museum features ten centuries of exquisitely crafted arms and armor from Europe and America: 11th to early 20th centuries. This remarkable collection boasts the weapons of famous politicians and celebrities, noted frontiersmen and soldiers. Many of the artifacts are decorated by well known artists, making them not only marvels of engineering, but also great works of art. Simply put, their mission is: to tell the American story, including its European and British foundations, through the artifacts of historical arms. The Frazier Historical Arms Museum has collaborated with the Royal Armouries — Britain’s national collection of arms and armor – to bring you this unique presentation. The Royal Armouries exhibit at the museum will tell the story of English and European arms and armor, and shows their influence on the design and development of American weapons.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art: The collection of armor, edged weapons, and firearms in The Metropolitan Museum of Art ranks with those of the other great armories of the world, in Vienna, Madrid, Dresden, and Paris. It consists of approximately 15,000 objects that range in date from about 400 B.C. to the nineteenth century.
  • The Museum of Connecticut History: is part of the Connecticut State Library and houses the original Colt factory collection.
  • The National Firearms Museum: Like no other institution, the National Firearms Museum proudly illustrates America’s priceless heritage of firearms, freedom and the American experience.
  • Royal Armouries: The Royal Armouries collection has its origins in the arsenal of the British army preserved at the Tower of London. The collections at present comprise about 50,000 objects.
  • The U.S. Army Museums: This page lists the various Army museums and provides a link to the Army museum directory page.
  • VMI Museum: The 15,000 artifacts in the historical collection chronicles the creation and development of VMI and the amazing contributions of alumni to history. Many items in the collection have been presented over the past 140 years by the individuals who used them. Areas of special focus include: Cadet Uniforms and Equipage, The Henry Stewart 19th Century Antique Firearms Collection, VMI Involvement in the Civil War, Military and Civilian Accomplishments of National Importance, and “Stonewall” Jackson at VMI.
  • The Wallace Collection: is both a national museum and the finest private collection of art ever assembled by one family. It was bequeathed to the nation by Lady Wallace, widow of Sir Richard Wallace, in 1897, and opened to the public just over three years later on 22 June 1900. Among its treasures are one of the best collections of French 18th-century pictures, porcelain and furniture in the world, a remarkable array of 17th-century paintings and a superb armoury.
  • West Point Museum: is considered to be the oldest and largest diversified public collection of militaria in the Western Hemisphere.

Firearms Safety

Firearms

Discussion Boards, Resources, Research & Collecting

  • Firearms Talk: Firearms, Guns & Weapons community discussion forums. Galleries, Reviews, Articles, Links and much more.
  • Gun Links: A comprehensive, well organized directory and search engine for gun related links.
  • Gun Talk: The ground-breaking national radio talk show that covers guns, shooting, and the issues involving firearms.  Gun Talk airs on the Talk America Radio Network, with high-powered intellectual ammunition on guns, crime, politics, the Second Amendment, hunting, competitive and recreational shooting.
  • Historic Textiles Studio: The Studio is capable of evaluating a wide range historic textiles and performing both restoration and conservation. They utilize both stereoscopic and microscopic procedures, and their conservator, Lynn Lancaster Gorges, is well known to the Civil War community for her outstanding conservation techniques. While Civil War military flags and uniforms are their specialty, they also work on quilts, articles of clothing and a wide range of other textiles.
  • The Johnson Rifle Site: An abundance of information about the Johnson Rifle including its history, development, and combat usage. The collector will also find useful identification, operation, and patent data.
  • Kentucky Long Rifle Site: The Kentucky (or Pennsylvania) Long Rifle was the most accurate long-range gun for several decades. This site has a wealth of information about the Kentucky Long Rifle.
  • Krag Collectors Association: Dedicated to the continuing study, collecting, and preservation of the Krag Rifle.
  • Littlegun: This website features over 7,000 gun photographs! A research group of more than 50 specialists is available and is knowledgeable about civilian and military weapons, especially for Belgian weapons. Site is in English and French.
  • Visit the Macon Armory Site: A wide variety of information relating to the Macon Armory. This site also includes a link to Spiller & Burr information.
  • Marlin Firearms Collectors Association: Our purpose shall be to organize and maintain a membership for educational, charitable, scientific and literary purposes;  to promote a friendship and camaraderie amongst those interested  in the collecting and study of Marlin-made firearms; the holding of regularly scheduled meetings for the sake of conducting the Association business, to display and exchange artifacts and disseminate information on Marlin arms;  to collect, research and preserve arms for posterity.
  • Military Rifles: A page dedicated to the description of military rifles from countries other than the United States dating from 1865-1888 and using black powder metallic cartridges.
  • Norwegian Military Small-Arms: An informational site on Norwegian weapons published by Trond Wikborg.
  • Remington Society of America: An organization dedicated to the collection and study of Remington firearms, ammunition and history.
  • Begin at the Trapdoor Collector: Website for information on, of course, collecting trapdoors.

Armour and Edged Weapons: Resources, Research & Collecting

  • Angel Fire: Sword collectors will enjoy visiting this sword collecting resource site.
  • The Medieval Sword Resource Site: This noncommercial site has been established in order to provide information of interest to students and collectors of European Dark and Middle Ages swords and other edged weapons, with a particular focus on the swords of the Viking Age.
  • Old Swords: This is an exciting and comprehensive site designed to hold a vast library of information of use to the antique sword collector. They have a huge image library of thousands of swords and hundreds of examples of official patterns/models from many different nations.
  • Swords, Small Arms & Accoutrements of the U.S. Navy: Peter Tuite’s Naval collection and book.

Militaria Research: Authors, Books, Magazines & Catalogs

Auctions

  • Amoskeag Auction Company Inc.: A specialty auction house located in Manchester, New Hampshire specializing in antique and modern sporting and military arms, edged weapons, sporting advertising, militaria and related items.
  • Antique Associates at West Townsend, Inc.: Expert brokers of antiques, art and antique arms since 1983.
  • Bonhams: The world’s leading auction house for antique and collectible firearms and armor. Bonhams offerings include firearms, edged weapons, headgear, shields, medals, and ephemera from every geographic region and historical period. Property includes material fresh to the market of the highest quality and historical interest emanating from collections, estates and private sources not previously offered.
  • Bonhams Skinner: Auctioneers and appraisers.
  • Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers: New England’s premier auction destination centrally located in Cranston, Rhode Island off interstate 95
  • Carol Watson’s Orange Coast Auctions: We are a full service auction facility specializing in firearms and militaria.
  • Cowan’s Auctions: Cowan’s, A Hindman Company (formerly Cowan’s Historic Americana) is one of the nation’s leaders in the sale of Historic Americana, American & European Furniture, Decorative Arts, and American Indian Arts.
  • Czerny’s International Auction House, Ltd.: Highly specialized auctioneers of fine arms and armour, important orders and decorations, militaria and historical items. They are located in Sarzana, Italy, a beautiful medieval town situated between Pisa and Genoa, just few minutes away from the beaches of the Italian Riviera.
  • GunBroker.com: A detailed, secure and safe way to buy and sell firearms and hunting/shooting accessories including knives and swords. GunBroker.com promotes responsible gun ownership. Ownership policies and regulations are followed using licensed firearms dealers as transfer agents. GunBroker.com recently surpassed 1.5 million registered users, and has more than 400,000 auctions running at any given time.
  • Heritage Auctions: Arms & Armor Heritage Auctions, the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer, has joined forces with Greg Martin Auctions of San Francisco, CA, the nation’s top experts in antique arms & armor. Browse, bid on firearms and more, or consign.
  • Hermann Historica: Fine antique and modern firearms.
  • Invaluable: The world’s premier auctions.
  • Kramer Auction Service: Wisconsin’s premier firearms auction center.
  • Lewis & Grant Auctions: A premier auction house specializing in historic firearms and early militaria, is setting industry standards in the sale of both historic and modern firearms, as well as military memorabilia and accoutrements.
  • Milestone Auctions: Located in Willoughby, Ohio strives to offer successful auctions for both buyers and sellers.
  • Morphy Auctions: Grounded in the values of honesty and integrity, Morphy Auctions is the discriminating collector’s #1 choice when it comes to buying or selling antiques and fine art. Our east and west coast locations makes our galleries easily accessible to potential auction bidders and consignors.
  • Olympia Auctions: Founded in 2005 as Thomas Del Mar Ltd and has been holding sales biannually since then.
  • Poulin Antiques & Auctions, Inc.: Based on annual sales, we are the second largest specialty firearms auction house in the world!
  • Reata Pass Auctions: We are a full service auction company that specializes in selling collectable items.
  • Redding Auction Service Inc.: Family owned and operated company with over 70 years combined auction, appraisal and sales experience.
  • Rock Island Auction: Solely owned and operated by Patrick Hogan. This company was conceived on the idea that both the sellers and buyers should be completely informed and provided a professional venue for a true auction.

Clubs & Organizations

  • The Colt Collectors Association (CCA): A non profit organization with an international membership of over 2,600 individuals. The CCA was founded in 1980 and is affiliated with the National Rifle Association and was a major donor to the National Firearms Association museum. The Association is dedicated to the preservation, understanding and collecting of Colt firearms and related products as well as the role they had in forging America’s heritage.
  • The Colorado Gun Collectors Association: The purpose of this association is to establish in Colorado, a permanent organization for the promotion of friendship among and the mutual benefit of persons interested in the collection, preservation, use and study of arms and their accessories
  • The Forks of the Delaware Historical Arms Society: A non-profit organization that exists to foster the appreciation for the history of arms and to defend the right to own firearms.
  • The Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club (LRPC): A privately owned gun club, with membership open to the public.
  • The Maryland Arms Collectors Association Inc.: The Baltimore Show attracts thousands of serious collectors from across the globe. It is considered the “must attend” event of the gun collector year.
  • The Missouri Valley Arms Collectors Association: Dedicated to the promotion of the craft of arms collecting.
  • The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association: Exists to promote, support, nurture, and preserve NMLRA’s and our nation’s rich historical heritage in the sport of muzzleloading through recreational, educational, historical, and cultural venues such as match competition, hunting, gun making and safety, historical re-enactments, exhibits, museums, libraries, and other related programs.
  • The NRA: Needs no other introduction. It includes information about gun collecting and a page devoted to their museum.
  • The Ohio Gun Collectors Association: A non-profit corporation that promotes friendship for those interested in the collection, possession, and use of arms by responsible persons.
  • Pennsylvania Antique Gun Collector Association: The club has it’s primary focus on Antique Firearms, Weapons, Swords and Accouterments with many of the leading experts in the field being long time club members.
  • The Society of American Bayonet Collectors: Dedicated to the study, collection and preservation of antique and modern bayonets. The scope of our activities includes all American made bayonets, including those that were produced for export, and also foreign made bayonets that were used by the United States. This also includes related accoutrements such as scabbards, frogs, belts, etc.
  • Texas Gun Collectors Association: One of the oldest gun collecting clubs in the country whose members’ interests mostly revolve around antique and historic firearms from a bygone era and also collectible classic firearms from more modern times.
  • Virginia Gun Collectors Association: We have members who specialize in firearms from as far back as the American Revolutionary War through to our modern military weapons
  • The Washington Arms Collectors: A membership organization affiliated with the National Rifle Association. WAC puts on one of the largest gun shows in Washington State. The WAC is based on the principles set forth by the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution which states that every free citizen has the right to keep and bear arms.
  • The Winchester Arms Collectors Association (WACA): A non-profit, tax-exempt corporation with an international membership comprised of over 2,000 individuals. WACA was organized in July 1977, incorporated February 21, 1978 in the State of Montana and has been NRA affiliated (#G8143) since 1978. Their members are devoted to the preservation, understanding and collecting of Winchester firearms and related products as well as the role these products had in forging America’s heritage.
 

Software

  • NM Gun Collector Software: Written specifically for the serious arms collector. Use it to keep a computerized record of your collection with a variety of ways in which to access your inventory.

Photography

 

Dealers & Businesses

  • Alaska Arms LLC: A state-of-the-art CNC machine shop located in Big Lake, Alaska, with over 35 years of manufacturing experience in fields that include aerospace, medical, military and custom firearms. The last five years they have focused their efforts on serving a discriminating clientele seeking the finest OEM parts for their firearms. All of their products are proudly made in the U.S.A. and are certified made in Alaska.
  • Alban Arms & Armour Ltd: We concentrate primarily on offering for sale fine quality antique British and European arms and armour and related antiquarian objects.
  • Andrew Bottomley: Carrying the largest selection of genuine antique weapons for sale in the United Kingdom.
    Established in 1968, and well know around the arms collecting world for their previously published
    antique arms catalogues, available from 1968-2002. They now sell by mail order via their new website.
    All items are guaranteed to be original.
  • Anderson Militaria & Americana: Selling a vast assortment of Military, Sweetheart Jewelry, GAR, Fraternal, Patriotic, Home Front, Remember Pearl Harbor, Nazi, Ribbons, Pins, Buttons, Badges, Medals, Rings, collectibles of all types, Civil War through WWII. Important material from our personal collections, carefully selected over 50 years, will be constantly added to our website.
  • Antieke Wapens: The marketplace for buyers & sellers of antique weapons, located in Holland.
  • The Antique and Collectable Firearms and Militaria Headquarters: Serves collectors and students of firearms and military history.
  • Antique Arms, Inc.: While our primary focus is on 18th and 19th century American Arms such as Colt, Marlin, Remington, Smith & Wesson and Winchester, we try our best to offer a wide-ranging selection of items for all collectors.
  • Antique Gun Room: Antique handguns, antique longguns, percussion derringers, cartridge derringers, collectible ammunition, Winchesters, Smith and Wesson, Remington, firearms curiosa, Volcanic pistols, Henry rifles, powder flasks, molds, loading tools.
  • AntiqueGuns.com: The place for serious collectors. We provide Antique Guns and Collectible Firearms at fair prices.
  • Arms Vault: Huge directory of firearm information
  • Baltimore Knife and Sword Co.: For over 15 years, the Baltimore Knife and Sword Company has been creating handcrafted, combat-ready arms and armour for historical re-enactors and decorative purposes.
  • Battleground Antiques: Offers the largest active inventory of authentic Civil War memorabilia in the South by mail order catalog, on-line internet shopping, or the old fashioned walk-in tradition! From mine balls to Confederate Battle Flags, they handle it all. They buy, sell, trade and offer appraisal and documentation services as well as textile conservation and restoration.
  • Bolk Antique Arms: Over 35 years of experience in dealing in fine antique arms and armour, located in the Netherlands.
  • CMR Classic Firearms: Mauser Broomhandle Pistols, Luger firearms, and accessories. Specializing in original and high quality reproduction holsters, pistol presentation cases, gun parts, firearm manuals, reference books, and more.
  • C.S. Arms, Inc.: One of the finest Antique and Collectors Arms and Militaria Stores in Virginia.
  • Civil War Appraiser.com: John Sexton, a well known and respected expert in American Historical memorabilia, including guns, swords, flags and uniforms especially Civil War Confederate items.
  • David Condon Inc.: Dealers in fine Antique Firearms, Edged Weapons & Armor since 1957.
  • Dennis D. Ottobre’s Bayonet Web Site: A full-time professional bayonet specialty dealer serving the online collecting community since 1998. “Otto” is the author of the eBooks Observations On Turkish Bayonets and Bayonets Of Afghanistan.
  • Dixie Gun Works: Specialists in muzzle loading & rare antique gun supplies.
  • Downeast Antiques & Collectibles: Joseph L. Salter QC is the owner and operator of Down East Trading Company Limited, incorporated in Canada and federally licensed in all categories of firearms. The company and its predecessors Joseph Salter Antique and Collector Weapons have been actively engaged in all aspects of the firearms and collector arms business since the early 1960’s. Down East Antiques and Collectibles Inc, is also incorporated in the state of Maine and New Hampshire and is actively involved in the business of antique and collector weapons in the United States.
  • Fulton Armory: We can take your rifle wherever you want to go, from flawless function to world class accuracy. We are not the biggest, just the best. Fulton Armory specializes exclusively in the AR-15, M14/M1A, M1 Garand & M1 Carbine. It’s all we do!
  • Garth Vincent Antique Arms & Armour: Suppliers of antique flintlock pistols, long guns, percussion pistols, military swords, Japanese swords, and a wide range of antique arms and armour.
  • Guns International: Visit this site to find direct contact between gun buyers and gun sellers and browse over 25,000 guns listed for sale.
  • Gunsmither Tools: Unique tools for gunsmiths and shooters designed and manufactured by Gunsmith Joe “Elmer” Beary. With over 20 years of experience in cleaning, repairing, and customizing all types of firearms, he has developed quite a few time and temper saving tools to ease the chore of maintaining, repairing, and assembling guns.
  • Hansen & Hansen Arms and Antiquities: We specialize in fine and unusual collectible firearms and military items of all types and time periods. From flintlock arms and edged weapons of the Revolutionary war to arms manufactured in the present.
  • Historic Arms Gallery: UK based antique arms dealer-Specialist in fine antique arms. Flintlock Pistols, Percussion Pistols, Revolvers, Blunderbuss, Rifles, Militaria, Viking Swords & Brown Bess Muskets For Sale.
  • Homeland Security Safe Co.: Products such as small office safes, depository safe boxes and wall safes. In the year 2000, they added a complete line of residential safes and vault doors.
  • J & J Military Antiques: Online catalog, appraisals and discussion forum.
  • J.S. Mosby Antiques & Artifacts: Carries an impressive array of military collectibles from the Revolutionary War through WW II specializing in the Civil War.
  • Jackson Armory: Specializing in quality firearms.
  • Jim Stanley & Associates: Specializing in Civil War relics, including bullets, buttons, buckles and excavated firearms and blades.
  • John J. Hayes Historical Collectibles: The finest investor grade antique arms and collectibles with the emphasis on historic items. 
  • Knife Outlet: Your internet cutlery source including binoculars, camp tools, flatware, sharpeners, and swords.
  • Legacy Collectibles: Based in Paoli, Pennsylvania, Legacy Collectibles specializes in investment grade handguns while expanding their inventory into a variety of other military collectibles; such as collectible daggers and medals, collectible rifles, and collectibles from earlier time periods.
  • Lions Gate Arms & Armor: Dedicated to antique edged weapons. They specialize in British Swords.
  • Magazin Royal: Has been dealing in antique arms and armor for more than 30 years and participate in the most important fairs and auctions in Europe as well as in the States.
  • Michael Simens: Bringing quality antique guns, civil war swords, and an entire array of antique weapons and related artifacts to collectors in all price ranges. They buy, sell, appraise, authenticate and offer consignment services in all price ranges. Their focus is on American arms and related materials used from 1750–1898, and they specialize in Civil War swords and Colt percussion arms.
  • Militaria Net: An online directory for sellers and collectors of militaria. Its aim is to provide a comprehensive directory of UK militaria dealers for people to search easily and quickly. On militaria-net you can locate militaria dealers by an alphabetical search or by a regional search. The site aims to cover all types of dealers from hobbyists to larger businesses which sell internationally.
  • Monty Whitley Inc.: Dedicated to bringing you the finest in antique, rare collectable firearms and accessories. We travel the world buying and selling only the finest items we can find.
  • National Gun Day: Home of the World’s largest gun and military show.
  • Navy Arms: The first with the finest in quality replica firearms.
  • Ocala Armory: Specializing in antique and collectible firearms. Ocala also works with estates and collections and sells on a consignment basis as well.
  • Old South Military Antiques. LLC: the premier online site for original Confederate antiques in the world.
  • Parade Rest Displays: Gun and sword display stands.
  • Paul Ambrose Antiques: Specializes in the sale of high quality, original European and American firearms and weapons.
  • Peter Finer: Very high-end English Arms and Armour dealer who offers for sale the finest selection of Antique Arms and Armour. All items are guaranteed to be genuine, of the period stated, and in excellent condition.
  • Rebel Relics: Carries a wide variety of artifacts from Revolutionary War through Vietnam War. They specialize in Confederate Bowie Knives, Confederate Long Arms, Confederate Uniforms, Confederate Flags, Confederate Revolvers, and Southern Pre Civil War Arms. They also have a passion for Southern Long Rifles, especially Tennessee Long Rifles and Confederate Shotguns, as well as an extensive collection of Tennessee Long Rifles and Southern retailer and Confederate used shotguns. Many items include bayonet adapters and the actual shotgun bayonets that fit the shotgun.
  • Rod Akeroyd & Son: A long-established company that deals with all aspects of the antique arms and militaria business.
  • Ron Ruble Enterprises: Sales of antique swords, armour, cannons, Gatling guns, antiquities, fine art and other rare items.
  • Simpson Ltd.: Firearms for collectors.
  • Smith Enterprises: Gun sales & service.
  • Spanish Main Antiques: Specializing in Nautical Antiques & Shipwreck Artifacts, Arms & Armor, and related items.
  • Therion Arms and Armor Resources: Link list for swords and armor with an emphasis upon reproductions and reenactors.
  • Uberti USA: Information about, and access to, the largest and best-known producer of historical firearms in the world, Aldo Uberti & Co.
  • U.S. Military Knives: Wonderful old photos and useful articles on this Military Knife site.
  • Vintage Gun Leather: Buyers and sellers of collector vintage western gun leather, old holsters and related items such as antique saddles, antique western belts, old western gun belts, vintage & old horse tack!
  • Virginia Innovations, Inc. Leading The outdoor and firearms Industry in creative Business consulting and appraisal services. They provide certified appraisals for estate planning, estate settlements, investments, insurance or general knowledge.
  • Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show: World’s largest gun show, sponsored by Tulsa Arms Collectors Association.
  • West Street Antiques: One of the leading specialist dealers in the country of Fine Antique Arms & Armour. Their carefully selected stock of mostly English Flintlock & Percussion Firearms, Swords, Polearms & Armour is ever changing and has added to the collections of Museums as well as private collectors. They have been instrumental in starting many fine collections for people whose first introduction to the subject was their shop window, novices whose interest they have nurtured with advice and guidance sharing the benefit of many years of their experience both as collectors and dealers..

Accessories

  • Mighty Skins: Vinyl gun wraps to customize firearms for a more personal look.
  • Ranger Point Store: Will help you to find the right accessories for lever-action rifles.
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