> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.storehouses.app/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Arms & Armor > Complete guide to tracking historical weapons, military antiques, and armor collections in Storehouses ## Overview Track your arms and armor collection with detailed fields for item type, era, maker, material, and condition. Perfect for collectors of historical weapons, military antiques, edged weapons, and armor. * Item type classification * Era and period dating * Maker/manufacturer identification * Material and construction * Condition assessment * Provenance and history * Market value tracking ## Adding Arms & Armor Click "Add Item" from your dashboard or go to [storehouses.app/add](https://storehouses.app/add) Choose "Arms & Armor" as the category Fill in item type, era, maker, material, and condition Upload photos and provenance documentation Click "Save Item" to add to your collection ## Arms & Armor Fields ### Identification Type or classification of the item **Edged Weapons:** * Sword (longsword, rapier, saber, katana) * Dagger * Knife * Bayonet * Polearm (halberd, pike, lance) **Firearms:** * Pistol * Rifle * Musket * Revolver * Shotgun **Armor:** * Helmet * Breastplate * Gauntlets * Full suit of armor * Shield * Chainmail **Other:** * Military equipment * Accessories * Insignia Time period or era of the item **Examples:** * Medieval (500-1500 CE) * Renaissance (1400-1600) * 17th Century * American Civil War (1861-1865) * World War I (1914-1918) * World War II (1939-1945) * Edo Period Japan (1603-1868) Maker, manufacturer, or armorer **Examples:** * Wilkinson Sword * Samuel Colt * Springfield Armory * Unknown German maker * Attributed to Augsburg workshops * Imperial Japanese Arsenal ### Physical Details Primary materials of construction **Examples:** * Steel blade with brass guard * Blued steel and walnut * Damascus steel * Iron with leather fittings * Bronze and steel Overall condition of the item **Grading:** * **Excellent** - Exceptional, minimal wear * **Very Good** - Light wear, well preserved * **Good** - Some wear, structurally sound * **Fair** - Notable wear or damage * **Poor** - Significant damage or deterioration **Condition notes should include:** * Blade/barrel condition * Surface patina * Any repairs or restorations * Functionality (if applicable) * Missing parts History and previous ownership **Include:** * Military unit or officer (if known) * Previous collectors * Auction history * Documentation or certificates * Historical significance ## Types of Arms & Armor * Swords and sabers * Daggers and dirks * Bayonets * Knives * Polearms * Japanese blades * Antique pistols * Military rifles * Muskets * Revolvers * Flintlocks * Percussion arms * Helmets * Breastplates * Gauntlets * Full armor suits * Chainmail * Shields * Uniforms * Medals and decorations * Equipment * Documents * Insignia * Katana and wakizashi * Chinese swords * Samurai armor * Asian polearms * African weapons * Tribal arms * Colonial era pieces * Indigenous weapons ## Tracking Examples ### Example 1: Civil War Sword Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber Cavalry saber American Civil War (1861-1865) Ames Manufacturing Company Steel blade, brass guard, leather-wrapped grip Very Good Attributed to 3rd Ohio Volunteer Cavalry Found in estate sale, 2015 *** ### Example 2: Japanese Katana Edo Period Katana - Signed Blade Katana (long sword) Edo Period (c. 1750) Signed: Bishu Osafune Sukesada Folded steel blade, iron tsuba, silk wrap Excellent NBTHK certified, Hozon papers Original koshirae (mountings) Blade length: 70.5 cm *** ### Example 3: Medieval Armor Piece German Gothic Sallet Helmet Sallet (helmet) Late 15th Century (c. 1480) Attributed to Augsburg workshops Steel with traces of original patina Good Ex-collection of Baron von H., Germany Sotheby's London, 1995 Current owner since 1995 ## Best Practices Create complete records: * Measurements and specifications * Maker's marks and stamps * Serial numbers (if applicable) * Historical attributions * Previous owners and provenance * Expert opinions or certificates Detailed documentation helps with authentication and insurance Capture detailed photos: * Overall views (multiple angles) * Maker's marks and signatures * Blade/barrel details * Condition issues * Scale reference * Any accessories Good photography is essential for insurance and potential sales Protect your collection: * Climate-controlled storage * Avoid humidity extremes * Proper supports and stands * Light oiling for steel (careful with antiques) * Secure storage for firearms Never clean antiques without expert advice - original patina is valuable Be aware of regulations: * Antique firearm laws (vary by jurisdiction) * Import/export restrictions * Registration requirements * Transportation rules * Display regulations Consult local laws for firearms and edged weapons in your area For valuable pieces: * Consult specialists * Obtain written opinions * Check for known fakes in the category * Verify provenance claims * Consider professional appraisal ## Common Questions **Valuation resources:** * Specialist auction results (Bonhams, Rock Island) * Dealer pricing * Price guides and references * Professional appraisals * Collector community knowledge **Factors affecting value:** * Rarity and historical significance * Maker attribution * Condition * Provenance * Completeness (original parts) * Documentation **Generally, no:** * Original patina is valuable * Amateur restoration destroys value * Cleaning can be irreversible * Consult conservators for any work **Safe maintenance:** * Light dusting only * Careful handling * Climate control * Professional conservation when needed **Authentication resources:** * NBTHK (Japanese certification) * NTHK (alternative certification) * Specialist dealers * Published references * Expert opinions **Papers to look for:** * Hozon (worthy of preservation) * Tokubetsu Hozon (especially worthy) * Juyo (important) ## Next Steps Start cataloging your collection Browse your armory Create collections by type Generate collection reports