Holiday Gifts for a Sword Collector

Christmas Day is just around the corner in less than three weeks to go. If you haven’t started buying gifts for your loved ones, it’s not yet too late to start Christmas gift hunting.  You might be one of those people who don’t have the time and patience to spend long hours at the mall to look for the perfect Christmas gift.  Think of giving an unusual Christmas gift in the form of swords for sword collectors.  A sword is a unique and unusual gift making the recipient feel been admired in an outstanding way.  It delivers a message that you spent much thought on how you came up with your special and unique gift. Read on to find ideas and suggestions in a holiday gift guide of collectible swords and sword-inspired novelty items conveniently compiled from www.amazon.com.

Swords: An Artist Devotion (Hardcover)

This 94-pages book is written by Ben Boos. Here is a celebration of swords and swordsmen that spans time and place - from ancient warriors such as Beowulf to medieval knights; from stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war. Illustrated with breathtaking intricacy, SWORDS reflects the passion of a true devotee, offering lavish background details on design and use as well as exquisite spreads showcasing specimens in all their shining glory. Brave men and women have taken up the sword since ages of old, and a fascination with this formidable weapon grips dedicated followers to this day.

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabers

Read this 256 pages book which features many fascinating weapons, including Napoleonic swords. Cavalry sabers, American pole arms, the rapier and the naval cutlass at a price of $ 23.10.

The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide (Japanese Arts Library) (Hardcover)

This volume, containing color and black-and-white plates, has been prepared as an introduction to the history and appreciation of the Japanese sword. Its author, until his death in 1978, was one of Japan’s foremost sword experts, and his wide knowledge is here brought to bear on every aspect of sword lore, including forging techniques and problems of appraisal. Looking over the 1,500 years of sword history in Japan, Kanzan Sato notes how the major developments-the shift from the early straight blades to the tachi, which were longer curved blades slung edge downwards at the waist, to the familiar daishō pair of short and long swords worn by samurai until modern times-were the result of both technical innovation and changed fighting techniques. He examines the various fashions in sword mounts and the at times precious, highly decorated work of the smiths who specialized in sword guards, or tsuba, during the Momoyama and Edo periods.

Japanese Antique Warrior Samurai Katana Sword Set

Here is a sword that really impresses. In this case, this Japanese antique Warrior Samurai Katana Sword set is the whole package a well-balanced blade, solid tang construction, leather sage-o, and a stainless steel blade. This sword comes in a set of three, the Katana, Wakizashi and Tanto. They’re all perfectly made with a 440 mirror polish stainless steel. The scabbard is in brown with the sage-o is brown wrapped cord over two of the metal fittings and ending with two leather-carrying straps. The guard is very detailed with a Dragon and two warriors. The Handle is also wrapped in brown cord with the pommel decorated. This set comes with a 3 piece sword stand.

Antique Brass Sword Cane

Modern technology combines with precision manufacturing to create a never before seen sword cane. The handle is constructed from an elegant antique brass that has a wonderful finish. The 15 1/2 inch elegant stainless steel blade screws securely into the black aluminum shaft. Measures 34 1/2 inches overall.

Black Cord Wrapped Boken Daito Wood Practice Sword

Unlike most poorly manufactured and shoddy wooden practice katanas, this sword brings to both stability and practicality. With a comfortable cord wrapped handle and sturdy construction, this practice sword will last through many rigorous training sessions. Guard and no longer includes oversized rubber band brace, now ships with normal style rubber band brace, not pictured. If you are going to practice, why not use a practice sword that feels and grips like a real sword?

Hattori Hanzo Kill Bill Samurai Katana Sword Devil Bill

Here is an affordable sword from the movie Kill Bill. Don’t pay $75 or more for this sword, buy it on Amazon and save! This movie replica sword from the Kill Bill movies is the one of the hottest selling movie replica swords. Its popularity is due the fact Bill’s Demon symbol is actually carved into the scabbard, just like the movie!

Dance Sword, Stainless Steel

A Dance sword of Middle East of origin is made available at a value price of $71.93. This collectible sword is of handcrafted quality with a 30-day return policy.

Imagine the look on your loved one’s face upon opening and revealing a collectible sword as a Christmas gift.  It will sure please a sword collector and sword enthusiasts alike.  Engage in an adventure of hunting for the right sword for your loved one 18 years old above or however the law requires in your country.  The advantage of the internet is that it supplies you with a wide array of gift items at a competitive price.  Take advantage of savings you can enjoy for swords sold online on reputable resellers such as on Amazon.  Happy shopping!

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December 08 2008 | antique swords | No Comments »

How to Start Collecting Antique Swords

Sword collecting is one of the exciting ways to rediscover world history and enrich your particular interest in antique swords. When you finally decide to start a sword collecting hobby, know these tips on how to start your new found hobby.

What and Where to buy

Collectible swords are products from all different eras of history and countries in the world.  Its purposes included cavalry, fighting, ceremonial, infantry and executioner.  Ponder well and engage in some historical research and learn what type of sword you plan to acquire. Check local and international laws on possession and importing swords before attempting to do so.  You can search the Internet, browse collector’s and sword magazines, interview collectors and historians for additional information on types, prices, availability of swords.  After you selected the type of sword you want to collect, decide where to purchase it.  You have several options to choose from.  You can buy on eBay, websites that specialize in selling swords to the public or consider canvassing the offers of private dealers, specialized shops which deals with antiques or visit your nearby “flea market” in your area where items are much more affordable.  Use caution when purchasing swords online.  Double check its reference and review all the feedback about the collectible sword.  It won’t hurt if you email the seller to ask concerns about the product.

Cost

Collecting antique swords doesn’t come cheap just like collecting rare paintings or memorabilia.. You have to give consideration on how much money you can spare to fund your new hobby. Know how much you can spend for a certain sword but be careful not to splurge or spend beyond your means. Don’t be frustrated when you can’t get a sword due to financial limitations since establishing the size of your collection is meant to be built over time.  Check and discuss with your insurance agent about the cost of protecting your investment in your collection of swords.  Valuable collectibles may not be covered by your standard home owner’s policy in times of theft, natural disasters and other unfavorable incidents.

Handling and Maintenance

Your antique sword is intended as a collection and not as a weapon.  Decide carefully where you want to put your swords as display in your home. Make sure everyone who comes into your house are aware not to handle your swords without permission from you.  Monitor children that they should be kept away from potentially dangerous objects. Plan where to securely stack away your sword.  You may need to put it in a special case up high on a wall to avoid unnecessary handling. The wise thing you can do for your sword collection is to store it in a display case where you can control the temperature and humidity. Your collectible swords will be preserved in good condition when mounted on a wall where you live in an area with high humidity.  Always ensure your swords are rust-free by keeping it moisture-free.  Don’t let anyone touch the blades since the oil on people’s hands can eat away the metal.  Wipe it down afterwards in times your sword has to be handled.  Avoid cleaning it with rough materials in the likes of sandpaper.  You can prevent rust formation by wiping your sword blades on a regular basis with clear non-organic oil while giving it an attractive sheen. Try to find a special stand for swords so you can place them accurately in one row.

Authentic antique swords can cost a big sum of money which requires care and high maintenance to preserve its value and attractiveness.  A sound knowledge of what you want your sword collection and what items are available will also help protect you from falling prey to scams that unfortunately make their way around the internet.  Sword collecting is not common interest that you should engage into without proper hesitation.

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November 10 2008 | antique swords | No Comments »

Welcome to Antique Swords!

We are your number one resource on everything fancy and interesting about antique and collectible swords. Are you collecting antique swords but don’t have a clue where to find what you’re looking for? Look no more and end your quest right here on www.antique-swords.net.

This comprehensive site is designed to keep a wide library of information deemed useful to an antique sword collector like you. This site also serves as your ultimate guide to identify and date swords in your collection.

Swords are known to be one of the oldest weapons used. It is closely associated to brave men like Robin Hood, King Arthur and Zorro.

Why swords?

Collecting antique swords is an exciting way to rediscover the rich history of the world. These weapons can be a great inheritance that you can pass over to your next kin. You can collect different types of swords and make a unique collection out of them. After all, swords have exceptional historic value. A good swords collection has historical significance which makes it one of the most precious and interesting collections of all time. Not only can you build and interesting ollection, it can also reap you a neat amount and other financial benefits from owning collectible swords.

Types of Swords

Collectible swords are divided into two basic types: Functional Swords and Display Swords. The first type is as good as real weapons due to the sharp edges in their design which makes it capable of cutting things. Functional swords may have no lawful use but as a collector nothing beats owning genuine items in your sword collection. They are worth a fortune - people get nostalgic when made aware of the heritage cost of real and authentic swords. Display swords are lightweight and manufactured primarily strictly for display or aesthetic purpose only. With the lack of functionality, this type of sword is quite easy to collect and asks for a lower price.

Among the wide range of collectible swords are Samurai Swords that exist for many centuries now. They come in various shapes and sizes from double-edged and single-edged to straight and curve-bladed. They vary in length and even the way of carrying them. For the past centuries, the most common and popular samurai swords were a slightly curved and single-edged sword with varying length. The main types are long sword (katana), short sword (wakizashi) and long knife (tanto).

Sword Maintenance

The easy to manage type of sword is the stainless steel sword which needs dusting and at times cleaning with soapy water. Swords made of carbon steel require coatings to keep the blade oxygen-free and rust-free. Various types of chemicals are available in the market which can be good for preserving and maintaining the attractiveness of such collection.

Congratulations on finding www.antique-swords.net and explore the world of sword collectibles and Antique Sword collections!

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October 23 2008 | antique swords and collectible swords | No Comments »