A centuries old Viking sword and a full suit of Medieval armour may not be on your Christmas wish list but for some enthusiasts they are a must have.
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These are just two of the more unique items on display at the 20th annual Hunter Valley Arms and Militaria Fair which will be held in Maitland this weekend.
The event will be held at Maitland Federation Centre and is expected to attract thousands of guests over the two days and 60 dealers from across the country.
Antique militaria has been a hobby and passion of mine for 30 years
- Matt Robinson
The Antique Arms Collectors Society will give advice on age and restoration of older weapons, Newcastle District Hunting Club will conduct R-Licence accreditation testing and the NSW Police Firearms Registry can answer questions and provide guidance.
Enthusiast and dealer Matt Robinson will exhibit and offer for sale some of his “high end” war memorabilia.
This is his first time at the event.
“Antique militaria has been a hobby and passion of mine for 30 years,” he said.
“I will be selling some items from my collection.”
Mr Robinson said the most expensive item he will have on offer is a Solingen made SS Dagger by Robert Klaas which is expected to fetch about $4500.
He also has a Bullecourt helmet which was painted in the trenches of Bullecourt in 1917 and is believed to be one of only three in the world.
“I have no idea of what price to put on it but I’m calling for expressions of interest,” he said.
Mr Robinson also has World War II Nazi daggers, enamel signs from World War II from a museum in Poland and German advertising and propaganda signs.
Whether you collect swords, guns, Third Reich German militaria, fish, shoot or hunt, there will be something for everyone at the fair.
It extends as far as modern sporting firearms for club use to a suit of armour from the 1500s, cannons from the First Fleet through to equipment that probably some of the people at Singleton (Army Base) wear.
Security guards and electronic surveillance will be on-site 24/7 during the fair.
Bag inspections and electronic scanners will be at entry and exit points. All purchases must be receipted.