Antique Arms and Armour Training Programme for Conservators, Antiques Dealers, Collectors and Institutions

Wootz Militaria offers a comprehensive and highly specialized training program tailored for conservators and restorers working with antique arms and armour in museums, institutional collections, and private holdings. The training is designed to bridge the gap between academic conservation knowledge and practical craft skills, enabling professionals to better understand, preserve, and interpret historic objects. By combining material science, historical context, and hands-on techniques, Wootz Militaria equips participants with the expertise required to approach complex restoration challenges with confidence and authenticity.

A foundational element of the program is the study of metals in antiquity, covering everything from decorative applications to edged weapons and armour. Participants gain insight into historical metallurgical practices, allowing them to identify materials and construction methods accurately. Building on this, the course introduces the metallurgy of Wootz and Damascus steels, exploring their unique structures and characteristics. For those seeking deeper technical engagement, advanced Wootz smithing is also offered, including the forging of true watered steel, providing rare practical exposure to one of history’s most revered materials.

Hands-on craft training is central to the curriculum. Participants are introduced to blacksmithing and bladesmithing, as well as the use of different forge types, including charcoal, coke, propane, and induction systems. The program also covers both traditional and modern etching techniques, along with introductory and advanced blade polishing methods. These modules allow conservators to understand how weapons were originally made and finished, improving their ability to assess condition and carry out sensitive conservation work.

The course further explores the construction and restoration of composite objects. This includes detailed instruction on Indo-Islamic sword handles, re-hilting techniques, and the appropriate use of historical and modern adhesives. Participants also learn about sword scabbard making, including the crafting of fittings, and are introduced to traditional Indo-Islamic lacquer work. Decorative techniques such as Eastern inlay and koftgari (damascening) are studied in depth, ensuring that surface embellishments can be preserved or restored with accuracy and respect for original craftsmanship.

In addition, the program addresses structural and material repair techniques, including the use of welding, soldering, brazing, and cutting tools. Participants are also trained in ferrous and non-ferrous sand casting methods, including lost wax casting, at both introductory and advanced levels. These skills provide a deeper understanding of how components were historically produced and how best to replicate or stabilize them when necessary.

Special attention is given to the conservation of Indo-Islamic hide shields, such as dhal and sipar, with a focus on their materials, construction, and appropriate repair methods. The course also includes critical training in identifying fakes, reproductions, and inappropriate restoration techniques often encountered in historical collections. Finally, participants are introduced to Indo-Persian martial traditions and the handling of weapons, offering valuable context for how these objects were originally used, balanced, and maintained.

Together, these modules form a uniquely holistic training program, ensuring that conservators and restorers not only develop technical proficiency but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural, historical, and functional significance of antique arms and armour. The courses we provide are usually catered specifically to the attendees and focus on specific areas of learning.

If you are interested in arranging a course please email info@wootz.co for more details.