UK shows?

[FZ1]

As a new entrant to the world of Nihonto, its great to have resources like this message board, other Internet resources and books, etc.  However, there's no substitute for seeing items "in-the-flesh" to get a feel for what's-what (I used to collect RFC Great War medal groups, and what looked fine in a picture could be a disaster when handled in person).

 

OK, that's the intro, now the question:  Are there any UK militaria shows that have a presence of reliable dealers?  (e.g. Stoneleigh?)  Or are there any specialist shows for bladed items?  Failing that, any other suppliers or  locations where blades can be viewed/examined/handled?   I appreciate that I could visit individual dealers, but if I'm travelling, I'd like to make it worthwhile!

 

As always, any info will be gratefully received and much appreciated.

 

Cheers,

 

Jon

 

[paulb]

The most popular shows of recent years have been the Birmingham show held at the Motor cycle museum and the London show (not sure of latest venue) Birmingham has been well attended in the past but maybe gone off a little in recent years. It will be interesting to see what happens when they restart.

If you want to see blades in hand I suggest you consider joining the Token of GB. We hold regional meetings for members (once restrictions are lifted.) and there are always blades to study and experienced people to talk to.

[FZ1]

Thanks Paul, much appreciated.  I know the Birmingham site well (I'm a member of the Nat Motorcycle museum), but didn't know there was a sword show held there (live & learn!)

 

Thanks for the advice ref Token of GB.  I just found the Website now so will get the info (twenty five quid seems a reasonable sub).

 

One last question - where are these events advertised? (the shows, not the Token meetings)

 

Cheers,

 

Jon

 

 

[paulb]

sorry Jon I don't know I am aware of them by word of mouth. BTW it isn't a specific sword fair it is a traditional arms & militaria fair but most UK dealers are (were) there.

 

[kissakai]

I heard that the next show was to be on the 20th June but as that is a day before 'open season' it can't be held so I assume it to be 3/4 months later

 

[FZ1]

Thanks Grev.  I found it on the Nat M/Cycle Museum site on 19 Sep.

 

 

[Mark C]

Info below Jon.

 

20th June 2021 fair is now CANCELLED

The next fair is going to be 19th September

watch this space for further updates

Superbly located at

The National Motorcycle Museum, Junction 6 of the M42
Birmingham, B92 0EJ, adjacent to the Birmingham International Airport

It is the UK's biggest and best antique and vintage arms fair

Showing: antique & vintage sporting guns, airguns & deactivated guns,
collectors edged weapons, bayonets, daggers, armour, uniforms, headgear,
badges, medals, decorations & other militaria, books on related subjects.

 

Part of the event	Entry Time	Ticket price
Dealer & keen collector preview	08:30 to 10:00	£ 8.00
Public admission	10:00 to 14:30	£ 5.00

Children under 13 free admission. Event ends at 15:00

 

Future Events Dates

 

21st February   2021   20th June   2021   19th September  2021   21st November   2021

20th February   2022   19th June   2022   18th September  2022   20th November   2022

[Dave R]

 There is also an arms and militaria fair regularly held at Pudsey, Leeds. Fingers crossed! There are usually a couple of dealers with Nihonto there.

[Alex A]

Hi Dave,

 

Was at that one a good few years ago. One of the dealers was looking to get rid of a wak in gunto mounts, only £600.

 

I passed on it and carried on looking around,  then a while later found out id passed on a well known Yokoyama smith

 

Polish was not great but it was a chunky old sword and would have took another.

 

Occasionally, get some some decent stuff at these small fairs.

 

 

 

[FZ1]

Dave/Mark - Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

Cheers,

Jon

[Dave R]

53 minutes ago, Alex A said:

Hi Dave,

 

Was at that one a good few years ago. One of the dealers was looking to get rid of a wak in gunto mounts, only £600.

 

I passed on it and carried on looking around,  then a while later found out id passed on a well known Yokoyama smith

 

Polish was not great but it was a chunky old sword and would have took another.

 

Occasionally, get some some decent stuff at these small fairs.

 

 

 

 

 Big fairs small fairs, I enjoy them all. I rarely leave without something of interest.

[Alex A]

Preston has a good fair,   Preston Arms & Militaria Fair – Buy, Sell and Exchange a Wide Range of Military Collectibles From Many Eras of History (prestonarmsfair.co.uk)

 

Stockport and Liverpool also.