ABOUT  SMITHARMS

I bought my first bayonet when I was 14 and my passion for collecting and shooting is as strong as ever.
My primary interest is in early breechloaders from the 1830’s to the 1890’s, but extends across all firearms, muzzle loading and breechloading, as examples of technological change, as means of defence, as works of art.
I specialise in 19th century firearms but over the years I have also acquired bayonets, swords, medals, parts and accessories. 
I visit arms fairs in the UK and in Europe, both as a buyer and a seller. In the process, I have acquired a substantial stock which I am now selling from my website.
Collecting is not just about accumulating guns and accessories. A true collector wants to know where his newly acquired gun fits into the wider history of arms development. Who made it and when? What sort of person may have owned and used it? How well did it perform? This knowledge makes a gun more interesting and meaningful.
I can talk about classic firearms all day - given the chance, and will gladly talk through firearms with any collector or shooter. I enjoy talking to young people or first time collectors at arms fairs. 
I have published articles in various specialist journals and I haven given talks to my own club, at the Tower of London, Imperial War Museum, to the HBSA and  to the Arms and Armour Society.
I would encourage any collector to become a member of the Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association, who are a major support in the UK for the student of heritage firearms – see their website for information on all the very good work they do - http://www.hbsa-uk.org/ and the Muzzle Loaders Association of GB: https://www.mlagb.com 
For those with broader tastes, the Arms and Armour Society is an invaluable association of members who have a broad range of interests including armour, edged weapons, firearms and other military and civilian arms from all over the world and from all periods.  https://thearmsandarmoursociety.org.uk