Karabela Arms — trusted partner of Vetusta Metallum
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Trusted partners for collectors and dealers

First come independent dealers and platforms I recommend from direct working experience. Storage and display solutions follow below and are still being developed.

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Storage solutions Dealer partners Become a partner

First-hand experience

Partners appear here after real cooperation, not through paid placement.

Verifiable reputation

Priority is given to provenance, documentation and professional accountability.

Direct contact

Links lead directly to the independent partner’s website, with no Vetusta intermediary mark-up.

Dealer partners

Buy or sell directly — without an auction

An auction is not always the best route. A private transaction with a trusted dealer can be faster, less costly and more discreet. These are partners I know and trust personally.

Following a link takes you to an independent dealer’s website. Vetusta Metallum is not responsible for transactions conducted with third parties. Always verify provenance before purchasing.
K
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United Kingdom · London
Karabela Ltd
Antique arms & armour · Mindaugas Simkunas, Director
A long-standing studio partner specializing in European antique arms, helmets and armour. Through Karabela, the studio’s work became known within major auction-house circles. Strong attention to provenance and documentation.
Helmets Arms European market Documentation
karabela-arms.com →
✓ Personally recommended by Volodymyr Marchenko
🇱🇹
European market
UAB Senoves laikas
Antiquities · Aleksandr Visniakov, Director
A partner with broad expertise in antiquities. Long-term cooperation in preparing objects for international auctions. A studio reference letter is available on request.
Antiquities Baltic market Auction preparation
Contact through the studio →
✓ Long-term studio partner
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United Kingdom · London
Apollo Art Auctions
Auction house · Direct access
The principal auction platform used by the studio. It specializes in antiquities, arms and armour. Objects prepared by the studio have been offered here since 2024. Best verified result: £70,000.
Antiquities Helmets Arms International
apolloauctions.com →
✓ Direct auction partner
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Your country
Would you like to be listed here?
Antiquities dealers · Applications considered
We are looking for reliable partners in Germany, Austria, France and Italy. Requirements: lawful trading, proper object documentation and openness to long-term cooperation.
DEAT FRIT ES
Discuss cooperation →
Partnership

How to join the recommended partners list

The dealer-partner list on this page is not advertising. These are personal recommendations based on real working experience. Places on the list are not sold.

If you are an antiquities dealer interested in working with the studio, we start with a conversation.

Write to us

Briefly introduce yourself, your specialization, where you work and what interests you — object restoration or partnership on the website.

First commission

We begin with a standard assessment and one commission, then see how we work together.

Long-term partnership

After three successful commissions: VIP status, priority scheduling, direct contact and eligibility for the partners list.

Preservation systems · by request

Not a souvenir shop.
Tools for the object’s next life.

These solutions are designed around a specific object. No invented catalogue and no impulse purchasing: first come dimensions, condition, storage environment and the owner’s goal.

Transparent Preservation Case with temperature and humidity display on the glass

Preservation Case

A transparent protective enclosure with a custom support. Temperature and relative humidity are displayed directly on the glass.

Request a quotation →
Protective display system

Display Support

Discreet structural support for safe display of helmets, arms, vessels and fragments.

Discuss an object →
Condition monitoring

Condition Control

A simple kit for monitoring humidity and object condition without a cumbersome documentation system.

Ask a question →
Storage & display

Proper storage is a continuation of conservation

After treatment, an object needs appropriate conditions. Incorrect humidity and contact with household chemicals or aggressive materials can restart corrosion. These products are personally recommended by me.

⬤ PHOTO: Paraloid B-72 protective coating · bottle
Protective coating
Paraloid B-72 — conservation protective coating
A museum-conservation standard. This reversible acrylic coating protects metal from moisture and contamination without materially altering the appearance of the patina. It is the coating I use for final protection in the studio.
Why this one: reversibility is a key requirement. Paraloid B-72 can be removed with an appropriate solvent without damaging the metal or stable patina.
from €24
Enquire →
⬤ PHOTO: museum display case with humidity control
Storage
Microclimate display case — controlled humidity
Maintains relative humidity within a controlled range appropriate to the object and reduces cyclic humidity changes that can contribute to renewed corrosion.
Recommended for higher-value objects where stable storage conditions materially improve long-term preservation.
from €180
Enquire →
⬤ PHOTO: silica gel packs · hygrometer
Humidity control
Silica gel + digital hygrometer — basic kit
A basic set for controlled storage. Silica gel helps manage humidity in an enclosed space, while a digital hygrometer provides a visible reading. Desiccant condition should be checked and serviced as required.
A practical first step for objects kept in a cabinet or small display case without active climate control.
from €18
Enquire →
⬤ PHOTO: acid-free paper · packing
Packing & transport
Acid-free packing paper and foam — for transport
Acid-neutral materials for direct contact around the object. Ordinary papers and boards can release compounds unsuitable for long-term contact with archaeological metal. This type of packing is appropriate for transport to and from the studio.
Every incoming object should be packed to an agreed conservation-safe standard. Instructions are provided.
from €12
Enquire →
⬤ PHOTO: cotton gloves for handling metal
Working with an object
Cotton gloves — for handling collection objects
Fingerprints contain salts and oils that can contaminate metal surfaces. Clean, suitable gloves are a basic handling precaution for collection objects.
One of the simplest and most often ignored handling rules.
from €8
Enquire →
Coming soon
Custom display mounts and supports
Custom supports made from conservation-appropriate materials for displaying helmets, swords and vessels. In development.