Ottoman shield of gilt-Copper (tombak). Early 17th century. Image provided by Peter Finer Ltd. 

LONDON.- The inaugural Antique Arms Fair at Olympia London of September 2017, a showcase for fine antique arms, armour and militaria from an array of UK based and international specialist dealers, received very positive feedback from dealers and collectors alike regarding the high standard of the fair, excellent sales, and good attendance. The organisers hope to emulate and build on this positive start in their next fair on the 21st April 2018, and are delighted to welcome back high-profile dealers such as Peter Finer, Hatford Antiques, Magazin Royal, and Runjeet Singh among many others. 

This year the fair organisers have chosen to sponsor the highly regarded Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, an organisation which works, “to make a difference to the lives and careers of crafts people whilst maintaining the very highest standards in craftsmanship.” The Trust provides numerous scholarships, and has supported over 130 different crafts, from the contemporary to the traditional. Donations received on the day of the fair as well as 50% of ticket sales will go to the Trust.  

The fair promises to maintain a broad range of high-quality pieces on show: Peter Finer Ltd will be exhibiting an Ottoman shield of gilt-Copper (tombak), early 17th century (pictured above), and Antique Auctions Support Network Ltd’s display will include an Indo-Persian dagger (jambiya) with ivory hilt. Garth Vincent Antique Arms & Armour will include a pair of flintlock pistols by Scamadine and an unusual flintlock pocket pistol by Gilet of Bristol. Prices for pieces at the fair will range from the tens of pounds to the thousands, ensuring a broad range of purchasing options for collectors at all levels. 

An Indo-Persian dagger (jambiya) with ivory hilt. Image provided by A.A.S.N. Ltd.

An Early Pair of 22-Bore Flintlock Pistols Of ‘Queen Anne’ Type By T. Scamadine, London, Circa 1715. Image provided by Garth Vincent Antique Arms & Armour.

An accompanying guide will be provided to exhibitors and visitors as previously, with articles written by experts such as Pierre Terjanian (Arthur Ochs Curator in Charge at the Metropolitan Museum of Art) and Tobias Capwell (Curator of Arms and Armour at the Wallace Collection). It is hoped that the guide will once again provide exciting insights into the latest research and developments in the field of antique arms and armour.  

The Antique Arms Fair will take place at Olympia, London on Saturday 21st April 2018, 09:00-15:00. Pillar Hall, Olympia Way, Olympia, London W14 8UX.

 A Korean helmet damascened in gold, for a high-ranking member of the royal household, Joseon dynasty, probably Yeongjo period, about 1724–76. Image provided by Peter Finer Ltd.

Vietnamese ‘Babao’ (Eight Treasures) Processional Standard, 19th century. Image provided by Runjeet Singh Ltd.