Patreon

Helping the historical arms and armour community is a passion of mine, with this website growing over the years to reflect this. I’m proud that it now hosts many important resources for beginners and veterans alike. The hosting costs, the writing and researching of articles, the source-buying and the illustration-making all require a lot of effort, though, so I recently established a Patreon page to help out. Please consider adding your support as it really makes a difference.

What is Patreon?

Patreon is a platform that connects creators with their audience and funds projects like this website. Members can access different perks and rewards, depending upon the tier they choose, playing a vital role in supporting communities that are otherwise overlooked.

By adding your support to my Patreon you will get access to a growing archive of articles, in-depth advice, personal help with identifications and restorations, and, as I’m slowly liquidating my collection, early access to any new sales. From now on, I will only be writing articles for Patreon, and I’m proud to say that many in the archive are already unique on the internet.

Some 60 articles are currently in the archive:

  • The Swords of Robert Mole and Sons of Birmingham

  • On Medieval Falchions by James Elmslie and Andy Johnston

  • Book Review: The Catalogue of European Daggers, 1300 to 1800 by Bashford Dean

  • An Interview with Jorge Caravana

  • Book Review: The Gods of War by Donald J. LaRocca

  • An Interview with Peter G

  • A Victorian Hussar's Kit: Which Items were Essential?

  • Genuine or Forgery? A Collector's Guide to Chinese Swords by Andy Johnston

  • Case Study: Adding Value to an Antique Tulwar

  • An Interview with Birdy Damasceno

  • Italian Gun-Swords: Colombo and Micheloni

  • The 1803 Pattern Sabre: The Best Sword Ever?

  • Case Study: Restoration of an Antique Jezail

  • The 1803 Pattern Sabre: The Best Sword Ever?

  • Case Study: Restoration of an Antique Jezail

  • Exploring the Swords of Master and Commander

  • The Sword Patterns of the Honourable Artillery Company (Part Two)

  • The Sword Patterns of the Honourable Artillery Company (Part One)

  • More About the Katar: Regional Variations and Decorative Styles

  • An Interview with Abdullatif Alnakkas

  • George Cameron Stone: A Legacy in Arms and Armour

  • The Ankus and the War Elephant

  • The Firangi: a Sword Forged in Empires

  • An Interview with Geoffrey Mansfield

  • Case Study: Cleaning an Antique Jambiya

  • An Unusual Royal Navy Midshipman’s 1846 Pattern Sword

  • The Historical Italian Coltello da Caccia Dagger

  • An Interview with James Elstob

  • Case Study: Cleaning an Antique Indian Sword

  • The Bosun’s Cosh: Hitting with Style in the Royal Navy

  • An Interview with Jeff Andre

  • The Horseman’s Knife

  • The 1908 Pattern and the 1912 Pattern Swords: The Best Cavalry Swords Ever Made?

  • Joseph Rodgers: The Best Fighting and Hunting Knives

  • Colt 1851 Navy Revolvers and British Service

  • The Infamous 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre

  • An Interview with Tyrone Johnston

  • Book Review: The Arms of Greece by Robert Elgood

  • Arnachellum and the Mysterious Anglo-Indian Dagger Makers

  • An Interview with Mark Cloke

  • The Swords of Fifers, Buglers and Drummers

  • Book Review: Swords of the British Army by Brian Robson

  • An Interview with Karter Arms

  • British Weapons in the American Civil War

  • An Interview with Michael G. Czerny

  • Case Study: Preparing and Etching a Shamshir Blade

  • The Historical Use of Swords by the British Police

  • The Gambler’s Dagger

  • How to Research Owners of Wilkinson's Swords and add Value to Your Sword

  • Case Study: Cleaning an Antique Silver Tulwar Hilt

  • Case Study: Cleaning an Antique Persian Axe

  • Antique Sword Collecting for Beginners: Tips and Secrets

  • List of German Makers of Italian 19th Century Swords.

  • The Italian 1860 Model Sabre

  • Repairing Antique Sword Handles

  • How to Restore and Clean Blued Blades

  • Pattern-Welded Blades

  • The Importance of Hart’s Army Lists

  • Identifying African Swords

  • How to Etch Wootz Steel

  • Identifying Indian Daggers

If I have helped you in some way, or you’d like to gain the perks on offer, please consider signing up and adding your support. You can help out from as little as £1 (or $1) and can cancel your support at any time.

Thank you very much for your consideration and for visiting fordemilitaryantiques.com.

Matthew Forde