Michael,
For swords, something as simple as a trunk layered with foam to create different levels might work well as long as it can be locked. It would all depend on the length of the swords and the depth of the trunk as to how many layers you could safely create.

Guns/rifles are a little trickier as they really should be secured in a safe or gun case. A case as simple as what you can get at a sporting goods store might do the truck for those. You would likely need to remove the foam and use something more inert, but the cases themselves aren't horribly expensive. Alternatively, building a platform with upright supports and stretcher bar to hold the guns upright, with a closing bar and lock could keep the guns in place and a sheet of some kind could keep the dust at bay. Think of what a billiards hall uses for cues, that's more or less what I'm getting at for the basic design.

Hope that helps some,
John

________________________________
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael Reuter
Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 9:33 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] firearms & sword storage

Hi all,

Has anyone attempted to create cheap, innovative permanent storage for their collection's swords, rifles, and guns? I'm looking to bring back those collections into our museum's permanent storage and am trying to find a way to store them in a both inexpensive and responsible manner.

Thanks!

Michael Reuter
Curator of Collections/Registrar
Milwaukee County Historical Society
910 N. Old World 3rd St.
Milwaukee, WI 53203
414-273-8288


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