Purpose

This study aims to present a history and critical analysis of arms and armor collecting in America from the late 19th century until the present day.

Design/methodology/approach

The research draws from the literature on arms and armor, from primary written, visual and material evidence, and from the author’s long experience as an antique gun and sword collector.

Findings

American arms and armor collectors have included men of great wealth, museums and their curators and many enthusiasts of more modest means. Collectors, dealers and curators have created a substantial arms literature. Collectors have organized around various types of artifacts, historical periods and company brands. Dealers, auction houses and manufacturers have provisioned the market with period pieces and reproductions.

Originality/value

The history of antique arms and armor collecting is regarded as a social activity where enthusiasts have pursued “serious leisure” through consumption and brand communities. This history is further analyzed as a cultural practice wherein generations of collectors have interpreted the meaning of antique arms and armor.

中文翻译：

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在美国收集的武器和盔甲：历史，社区和文化意义

目的

这项研究的目的是介绍从19世纪后期到今天的美国武器和盔甲收藏的历史和批判性分析。

设计/方法/方法

该研究取材于武器和盔甲的文献，主要的书面，视觉和材料证据，以及作者作为古董枪支和剑收藏家的长期经验。

发现

美国的武器和盔甲收藏家包括有钱人，博物馆及其策展人，以及许多手段较温和的发烧友。收藏家，经销商和策展人创造了大量的武器文献。收藏家围绕各种文物，历史时期和公司品牌进行组织。经销商，拍卖行和制造商已为市场提供了时期珍品和复制品。

创意/价值

收集古董武器和盔甲的历史被认为是一种社交活动，发烧友通过消费和品牌社区追求“严肃休闲”。对此历史进行了进一步的分析，作为一种文化习俗，在这种文化习俗中，几代收藏家已经解释了古董武器和盔甲的含义。