Antique pistols and swords were valued at Bonham's Oxford yesterday, Wednesday, February 18.

People took antique firearms and militaria to the sales rooms in Park End Street, for a sale on April 13.

Items included cavalry troopers' swords, a 1796 heavy cavalry sword, a 1800 flintlock service pistol, a percussion revolver and several pocket pistols.

Christopher Allen, of Bonhams, said: "People think of guns and swords as ways of killing people, but much of the arms and militaria we sell are very decorative.

"Two, three of four hundred years ago men did not spend their money on their wives, they spent it on themselves. Weapons were male jewellery -- the equivalent of a Rolex or fast car or mobile phone today. They are of fascinating historical and artistic value."