When I first got into experimental weaponry in 2000 I found Museum Replicas and purchased a number of their authentic replica swords and shields. I particularly liked the Windless Steelcrafts pieces from India, although the early shields needed some modifications to the handles.
I noticed in 2009 at the time of my last purchase, that the catalog had a number of fantasy weapons in the back portion, which was kind of interesting. I had hoped that the existence of such a company, such a catalog, was an indication that combat weaponry was on the rise.
I have in my hand Museum Replicas Limited catalog #131, which is well worth the $3 price if only for all of the charming ladies in period outfits. It is very nearly a live action version of Heavy Metal magazine! On first glance, I was shocked at the preponderance of fantasy weaponry and costumes. I would never fault this merchant. They have to stay in business and are obviously serving up what is desired, such as light saber umbrellas and steampunk princess boots!
This is a 75 page catalog, not counting the cover and back, which depict 2 fantasy items and 3 historical weapons.
Pages 1-55 give listings for 99 fantasy or costume items and 123 historical arms and armor items.
Pages 56-75 are entirely devoted to fantasy material, with 116 listings!
That is barbarians: 126, buttercups: 217. It looks like an RPG sissy apocalypse to me.
Mister Oakeshott still has a sword type that makes the interior, but overall, I’d say the old boy is turning over in his grave. I’m glad now that I veered off the historical reconstruction path and into sports and survival instead. Dressing up as a pirate was cool when I was eight. At 50, I’d rather just be able to fight in whatever I happen to be wearing with whatever is at hand.
Greetings.
Most of the serious historical European martial arts practitioners have moved on to products by Albion, Arms and Armor, Darkwood Armory, or Purpleheart Armory (for wooden/blunt training weapons). Museum Replica's quality deteriorated and good products were deemed too expensive by the fantasy players, too inaccurate by collectors/reenactors, and too dangerously unreliable (weak tangs/inconsistent tempering/poorly balanced) by weapon arts practitioners. They seem to have opted for the largest potential market.
(Western martial arts practitioner since 2001, martial arts practitioner since 1991)
Thank you so much for the input Thomas.
I wish you the best in your continued training.