Alban Degrave, antique weapons expert: revolver, rifle, pistol, dagger...

Alban Degrave: the undisputed expert in Antique Guns: pistols, rifles, revolvers, daggers, sabers...

Dive into the fascinating world of antique guns with Alban Degrave, a renowned authority in the field. Since 2016, he has established himself as the leading expert on the market, working closely with numerous auctioneers to appraise pieces of exceptional rarity and value.

The rise of Alban Degrave

Making a name for himself in 2016, Alban Degrave quickly established a standard of excellence. He is now recognized for his mastery in the appraisal of a multitude of weapons, from Renaissance sabers to First World War bayonets, from unique Corsican stylets to rifles and shotguns from different eras.

Alban Degrave's areas of expertise

• Revolver and Pistol: From a 19th-century Colt to a World War II Luger P08 pistol, Alban is the specialist in these handguns.

• Guns and Rifles: From the lever-action rifle used in the American Wild West to French shotguns, each piece has its own story.

• Corsican Dagger, Sword, and Stylus : From 17th-century Spanish rapiers to Corsican styluses, each blade tells an epic story.

• Arms from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance : From Viking war axes to two-handed swords, Alban has in-depth expertise.

Familiarizing yourself with French gun regulations: Classification A, B, C, D

In France, the possession, purchase, sale, and transport of weapons are subject to strict regulations. Weapons are classified into 4 main categories according to their dangerousness: A, B, C, and D.

1. Category A: Weapons prohibited from possession

• A1: Firearms camouflaged in another form and neutralizing devices (for example, firearms concealed in another object).

• A2: War material including firearms designed for military use.

Holding category A weapons is prohibited for private individuals, with very specific exceptions.

2. Category B: Weapons subject to authorization

• Handguns (e.g. revolver, pistol).

• Semi-automatic firearms whose magazine can hold more than 20 cartridges.

• Firearms converted to fire in bursts.

• Some handguns with one shot per barrel.

• Launchers whose projectile is propelled non-pyrotechnically.

To acquire or hold a category B weapon, a prefectoral authorization is required.

3. Category C : Weapons subject to declaration

• Ribbed-barrel firearms used for hunting.

• Semi-automatic repeating firearms with a magazine less than or equal to 20 cartridges.

• Firearms with one shot per barrel.

• Ring percussion firearms.

The acquisition and possession of these weapons require a declaration to the prefecture and, for some, the presentation of a hunting license or a sport shooting license.

4. Category D : Weapons on sale over the counter or subject to registration

• D1 : Edged weapons usable as combat weapons (knives, swords, daggers).

• D2 : Historic and collectors' weapons pre-1900.

• D3 : Compressed-air or gas weapons whose energy exceeds 20 joules.

• D4: Smooth-bore shoulder-firearms firing one shot at a time.

Category D weapons are either freely available to adults (D1 and D2), or subject to registration (D3 and D4).

The illegal possession of weapons can result in severe penalties. Mastering these regulations is essential for all collectors and gun owners. Alban Degrave, expert in antique weapons and Auctie's, is at the disposal of any collector to provide sound advice.

Auctie's : La Référence pour l'Expertise d'Armes

Alban Degrave, thanks to its close collaboration with Auctie's, guarantees an appraisal and authentication in line with these strict standards. Having your antique firearms authenticated and appraised by Alban Degrave is a guarantee of success in the event of a sale project. All estimates are delivered free of charge and within a very short timeframe.