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

Alban Degrave: the undisputed expert in antique weapons: pistols, rifles, revolvers, daggers, sabres...

Dive into the fascinating world of antique arms 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 appraising 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 a specialist in these handguns.

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

• Corsican dagger, sword and stylus: from 17th-century Spanish rapiers to Corsican styluses, each blade tells an epic story.

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

Know the regulations governing firearms in France: Classification A, B, C, D

In France, the possession, purchase, sale and transport of firearms 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 disabling devices (e.g. firearms concealed in another object).

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

The possession of 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 with a magazine capacity of more than 20 cartridges.

• Firearms transformed to fire in bursts.

• Some handguns have one shot per barrel.

• Non-pyrotechnically propelled launchers.

To acquire or own a category B firearm, you need a prefectoral authorization.

3. Category C: Weapons subject to declaration

• Rifled firearms used for hunting.

• Semi-automatic repeating firearms with a magazine of 20 rounds or less.

• Single-shot firearms.

• Rimfire weapons.

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

4. Category D: Over-the-counter and registered weapons

• D1: Blades used as combat weapons (knives, swords, daggers).

• D2: Historical and collector's weapons prior to 1900.

• D3: Compressed air or gas weapons with an energy of over 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).

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 all collectors to provide sound advice.

Auctie's : The Reference for Gun Valuation

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 for any sale project. Estimates are delivered free of charge and within a very short time.