My name is Dmitry. I live in Rhode Island, USA. I am an arms and armor collector, primarily focusing on naval edged weapons from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, which is, at times erroneously, described as the Napoleonic period. I am the past President of the Massachusetts Antique Arms Collectors, second-oldest antique arms collectors club in the United States. From time to time I make items from my collection available to fellow enthusiasts. I make every attempt to accurately describe and research everything you see here, and take quality photographs. Do let me know if you see a mistake in any of my descriptions. I will appreciate that!

I believe that the most important part of any collection should be the reference library. Having the right book at hand is like having a reliable friend in a time of need. Arms and armor literature can be expensive, but you will never go wrong purchasing a good book. Invariably it will go out of print and become even more costly, and sometimes will disappear all-together. 

I highly recommend visiting fine arts museums, even if they don't display arms and armor. No historical weaponry existed outside the esthetics of its period.  Buy a good magnifying glass, attend historical arms and militaria shows, handle as many authentic pieces as possible, and befriend other collectors! Ben Franklin said it better than anyone, "The only thing that is more expensive than education is ignorance." Good luck, and happy hunting!