[Jim McDougall]

While this is an area typically strongly avoided here, the subject is actually quite a 'double edged sword' (pun intended). Modern commercial versions of historic weapons have some value as studies in interpretation for those interested in the forms and wish to collect and/or practice the actual use of them.

Re-enactors and students of martial arts typically would not chose to take valuable genuine examples for use in these events. Most reproductions are reasonably faithful examples which reflect sound research on the forms, but of course lack the essential nuances which are inherent marks of history.

As discussed here years ago, the demands for the baronial splendor of mansions and parlors often sought impressive examples of historic arms, and there were artisans who met those demands, the most famed was the atelier of Ernst Schmitt in Munich. His work was so convincing that many examples were in the Higgins museum shown among authentic pieces.

One of the most impressive artisans of our times was my friend Eljay Erickson, who when we collected together back in the late 70s, became skilled in repairing many of the weapons as required. His keen attention to conservative repair and cleaning along with his knowledge of the original forms and their history led to his developing production of faithfully interpreted examples. Again, many so authentic that they could not easily be recognized as reproductions. Knowing this, and not wishing these to be part of deceptive practices, he carefully marked them as his work.

Unfortunately, unscrupulous dealers removed the marks, and we of course know the rest.

I recently tried to reach him, but was sadly informed he had passed. I had always sought his counsel in queries on British weapons as his knowledge was unsurpassed.

Having noted these things, I wanted to illustrate my perception on the texture of these interpreted versions of historic weapons, and the respect I have for the skilled artisans who faithfully reproduce these historic arms .
With our focus on historic values of vintage weapons, these of course exceed our scope here.
However other venues, such as MyArmoury, openly provide discussion forums where the range of reproduction arms can be recognized. There these can be discussed openly.

The work on the examples shown here in this new post is exemplary, and I do hope for good outcome in locating the artist who made them.

Best wishes
Jim