Collection Policy
Institute for the Study of Arms & Armor™ Library
Mission Statement
The Institute for the Study of Arms & Armor™ (ISAA™) is dedicated to the preservation, research, and public education of arms and armor across the entirety of human history. Our goal is to establish the world’s largest and most complete archival collection serving researchers, historians, collectors, government entities, and the public, while honoring and safeguarding the heritage of arms and armor across cultures and eras.
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Retention Policy
ISAA welcomes donations of all types of arms, armor, and related accessories. As part of our mission to develop the most complete library of its kind, we do not sell, part out, or break up donated collections—except in very limited circumstances.
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Duplicates may be evaluated, and if an identical model, sub-model, variant, or production change is already represented in superior condition, the lesser duplicate may be sold. All proceeds from such sales are exclusively used to support ISAA’s operations.
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We do not retain pieced-together or reconstructed items unless they were originally manufactured or imported that way or have documented historical significance. Items not meeting this standard may be disassembled and cataloged as parts or assemblies. Duplicate parts may also be sold following the same retention criteria.
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Scope of Collections
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ISAA’s collecting focus spans a wide range of arms, armor, and related materials. This includes firearms of all types, eras, and global origins; non-firearm arms such as swords, polearms, and knives; and a broad array of archery equipment including bows, crossbows, and projectiles. Ammunition and explosives, as well as accessories like scopes, slings, and holsters, also fall within our scope. We actively collect archival materials including manuals, blueprints, and catalogs, as well as armor, military uniforms, books, literature, and specialized tools and machinery related to arms and armor production.
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Chronologically, our collection encompasses artifacts from every era of human history. Geographically, we collect items from around the world, reflecting the global heritage of arms and armor.
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Acquisition Guidelines
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ISAA acquires items through various means, including purchase, donation, bequest, exchange with other institutions, and special commission of reproductions for educational purposes. All acquisitions must come with clear, legal title, and provenance documentation is encouraged when available. Donors are required to complete a Deed of Gift or Sales Agreement, and acceptance of an item does not guarantee its public display.
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In evaluating potential acquisitions, ISAA considers an object’s historical, technological, or cultural significance, its alignment with our collection priorities, and whether it can be stored and conserved appropriately under our existing capacity and standards.
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Deaccession Policy
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ISAA reserves the right to deaccession items that are unnecessary duplicates, have deteriorated beyond preservation or safe handling, possess defective title, or no longer align with the Library’s evolving mission. Deaccessioned items may be returned to donors if stipulated at the time of gift, sold to benefit the Library’s acquisition fund, or donated to other reputable institutions where appropriate.
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Collections Care
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All artifacts are housed in secure, climate-controlled environments with continuous monitoring to ensure their preservation. Arms, ammunition, and explosives are stored in compliance with BATFE regulations, and access to these materials is strictly controlled. Each cataloged item is thoroughly documented with a detailed description, measurements, a condition report, known provenance, and high-resolution photography.
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Preventive conservation is our priority. Restoration is only undertaken when needed for stabilization or interpretive purposes and must be reversible where feasible.
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Access and Use
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ISAA’s collection is available to scholars and researchers by appointment, subject to handling policies and appropriate supervision. Selected artifacts are presented in rotating or permanent public exhibitions. However, due to spatial limitations, conservation requirements, and security needs, not all objects will be on public display at all times.
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This policy supports ISAA’s long-term commitment to preserving, understanding, and making accessible the full history of arms and armor.
