With a budget of £200, you won’t be purchasing museum-quality pieces, but auctions and antique markets can still yield authentic historical swords if you know where to look. Below are realistic examples of antique swords that have sold for £200 or under at UK auctions, along with tips for finding them.
Types of Antique Swords Available for £200 or Less
| Type of Sword | Example Models | Condition & Notes | Recent Auction Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Military Swords (19th–Early 20th Century) | 1854 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword, 1897 Pattern Infantry Sword, 1821 Light Cavalry Sabre | Worn blades, missing scabbards, or minor rust | £120–£180 |
| European Small Swords & Court Swords (18th–19th Century) | Dress swords, colichemarde blades, brass-hilted smallswords | Lightweight, often decorative, some blade wear | £80–£200 |
| Indian & Middle Eastern Swords | Tulwars, Persian shamshirs (repaired or with damaged hilts) | May have mismatched parts, some corrosion | £90–£190 |
| WWII Japanese Military Swords (Gunto) | Machine-made Showa-era officer swords | Non-traditional blades, sometimes mismatched fittings | £150–£200 |
| African & Tribal Swords | Tuareg takouba, Ethiopian shotel (often 19th–20th century) | May have replaced grips or scabbards | £70–£180 |
Real Examples of Swords Sold for £200 or Under
- 1854 British Infantry Officer’s Sword – Sold for £150 (Southampton Antiques Auction, 2023)
- Blade slightly pitted, missing original scabbard
- 19th-Century Indian Tulwar – Sold for £110 (Baldwin’s Auctioneers, 2024)
- Curved blade with minor rust, wooden grip intact
- French Smallsword (c. 1780–1820) – Sold for £180 (Dreweatts, 2023)
- Brass hilt, blade with light etching wear
- WWII Japanese Gunto (Machine-Made Blade) – Sold for £195 (Lockdales Militaria Auction, 2024)
- Scabbard dented, blade in fair condition
- 19th-Century Persian Shamshir – Sold for £170 (Cheffins Auction, 2023)
- Slight bend in blade, leather grip worn
Tips for Finding Affordable Antique Swords
✔ Look for “as found” condition – Swords with missing scabbards, minor rust, or worn hilts sell for much less.
✔ Check regional auctions – Smaller UK auction houses (e.g., Bamfords, Gildings, Graham Budd Auctions) often have overlooked bargains.
✔ Avoid “too good to be true” deals – Fake katanas and replica military swords flood online markets. Always verify authenticity.
✔ Focus on non-famous makers – Swords without famous smiths or royal provenance are cheaper.
Where to Buy
- UK Auction Houses: Baldwin’s, Lockdales, Cheffins, Tennants
- Online: The Saleroom, eBay (with caution), specialist militaria forums
- Antique Fairs: London Arms Fair, War & Peace Revival
UK Laws on Collecting Antique Swords: Key Points
1. Legal Definition of an Antique Sword
- Under UK law, a sword is considered an “antique” if it was made before 1954 and is sold as a collector’s item (not for use as a weapon).
- Swords made after 1954 may be classified as offensive weapons unless they meet certain exemptions.
2. Buying & Selling Antique Swords
✅ Allowed Without Licence:
- Swords made before 1954 (if kept as antiques).
- Traditional Japanese samurai swords (nihonto) made before 1954 (if verified).
🚫 Restricted or Banned:
- Curved swords with blades over 50cm (e.g., katanas, sabres) made after 1954 are banned unless:
- They are hand-forged in the traditional way (e.g., by a licensed smith).
- They are used for martial arts (with proof of membership in a recognised club).
- Zombie knives, disguised blades, and swords designed for combat are completely illegal.
3. Carrying & Transporting Swords
- Never carry a sword in public unless:
- It is securely wrapped and transported (e.g., to/from an auction, museum, or reenactment event).
- You have a valid reason (e.g., historical reenactment, film/theatre use).
- Police can confiscate any blade they believe is being carried as a weapon.
4. Importing Swords
- Antique swords (pre-1954) can usually be imported without a licence, but customs may require proof of age.
- Post-1954 swords may need special permits (especially curved blades).
5. Best Practices for Collectors
✔ Buy from reputable dealers/auctions (ask for provenance).
✔ Keep records (receipts, auction listings, certificates).
✔ Store securely (locked display cases or cabinets).
✔ Check local laws (Scotland has slightly different rules).
⚠ Penalties: Illegal possession can lead to fines, confiscation, or up to 6 months in prison.
For full details, refer to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 2008 and UK Border Force guidelines.
