Services

All my services are complimentary to schools, museums, historical societies, and other non-profits. Please reach out for more info!


Identification and Appraisal

If you have a suspected antique sword, I would be happy to take a look and help you identify it. While many swords are not antique or particularly valuable, there have certainly been some hidden treasures found in people's attics! To get started, email me at tharparmoury@gmail.com.

If we determine that you piece needs further examination and would be worth a full appraisal, I will can begin research on the history of the object. My standard appraisal fee is $100.00 and includes determining information the region or country of origin, the bladesmith and/or cutler, any other historical information available (wartime use, regimental use, etc.), a complete description including measurements and condition description, and finally a market assessment for the replacement value of the piece.

Conservation

When discussing any project with an antique sword, it is incredibly important to understand what the actions will have on both the historical and financial value of a piece.

After appraisal, I can offer services that will keep the sword from degrading, rusting, or tarnishing. I can also teach you to care for the leather, shagreen, brass, and steel parts of a sword. I can sometimes perform some light polishing to aid in identification or help a piece look a bit less tired. These services are considered conservation, as they prevent the sword from losing any more material or value.

Repair or Refurbishment is a very complicated and precise art, which can often command high prices (for a Japanese Sword, polishing can often cost $100 an inch or more) and requires a high level of skill. While I do not offer these services, I am well connected with several craftspeople, and can help you make a plan if you want to take the next step with your piece.

Lectures and Loans

I am an experienced lecturer at the high school and collegiate level. I love to let children, teens, and adults experience history by seeing AND touching it. Want to hold a real 400 year old pirate or samurai sword? Have me to your event or school and you can!

I am happy to offer pieces for loan for:

  • Museum Exhibitions

  • Set Dressing for a Theatrical Show or Movie

  • Sabrage Sabers for Weddings or Events