The Sydney Collectible Arms Faire

By Peter Busch, SFMO Staff Writer

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The weekend of the 14th. and 15th. of August saw yet another Antique, modern and collective arms faire take place in Sydney. The venue yet again was the Canterbury Racetrack Pavillion.

All prices mentioned in the article are in Australian dollars. Prices are rough guides only, if you should wish to check further, please contact the dealers individually.

By clicking on the currency converter typically seen among the links at the bottom of the screen, one should be able to get an idea of the currency exchange rate.

Mr. Ken Burton

I suppose I should begin by thanking Mr. Ken Burton, the Show's organiser, for allowing me to take pictures. Ken had a variety of swords on offer. Among the usual range of World War II gunto (mass-produced military swords) was I believe a 14th century katana blade housed in shirasaya (storage scabbard of a single piece of wood of contiguous grain) for around $5,000.

Ken is pictured here holding a dress/levee version of the 1865 pattern Highland Officers Basket Hilted Broadsword (an article on which appears in this issue of the e-zine). Price for this item was in the order of $700. A levee version is essentially a lighter pattern of a sword designed for more formal functions such as mess dinners, balls, court attendances and so on, where one is far less likely to engage the target (well military targets anyway, females are another matter!)

Also to be seen below is a 1908 pattern British Cavalry Troopers sword in the order of $600. Admittedly two or three 1908s were evident at the show, however Ken's appeared to be the best example, with Khaki paint still evident on the bowl guard and scabbard.

Mr. Max Carmichael

Mr. Max Carmichael attended from Perth, Western Australia and had a few swords in attendance, including what appeared to be some 18th century Scottish basket hilts. A schiavona was also in evidence which while in good condition, it must be remembered was more than likely manufactured in the 17th. century. Age was evident in terms of nicks in the blade and heavily patinated appearance.

Notice also the 1796 pattern British Light Cavalry sabres (below). These sabres were designed by Colonel Le Marchant of the British Army, and caused quite a scandal in Napoleonic Europe when they first appeared, on account of their terrifying shape. The Prussians were however suitably impressed and adopted essentially exactly the same sword in the form of the 1811 Blucher Sabel. This sword in turn formed the basis for almost all German 20th. century dress swords.

The sabres pictured all appeared to be officers versions, having either sharkskin grips (rather than the usual leather found on 'Other Ranks' (ORs) sabres), or etched blades. Indeed at least one of these three swords had the usual gilt and blue etching. Prices were in the order of $1,200.

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