Hunter Valley Arms Fair is the largest regional arms fair held in NSW and was established in 1996 in the Hunter Valley city of Maitland. 2026 will be our tenth year in the Maitland Federation Centre and the fair is usually held late in September (27th and 28th in 2025) subject to venue availability.
The fair typically attracts over 65 vendors and 2000 visitors to the two day event. Vendors are invariably specialists and include licensed firearm dealers, licensed firearm collectors, edged weapon dealers, medal dealers, specialist book dealers, militaria dealers and auction houses. Various collecting groups are represented at the fair including the Antique Arms Collectors Society, Winchester Arms Collectors Assoc. and the Arms & Militaria Assoc. of NSW and NSW Police as well as educational displays by private collectors.
Patrons would usually find antique and vintage longarms and handguns from the flint to the cartridge period including firearms from WW1 and WW2. These would be complemented by period accessories like powder flasks, bullet moulds and cartridge pouches. Uniforms, helmets, swords, bayonets, belts and all manner of soldiering kit will be found with the militaria dealers. Badges, medals, reference books and personal memorabilia are well-represented. The dealers are always keen to share their knowledge.
Modern firearms and accessories complement the vintage offerings.
Several auction houses offer their services and usually display items that will be in their next auction.
Attendance at the fair is highly recommended for those with an interest in the development of firearm technology and military history.
Maitland district is rich in history and offers the opportunity of a short break, being only several hours north of Sydney and 30 minutes west of Newcastle. Patrons intending to visit the fair are advised to book their accommodation early at My Maitland. https://www.mymaitland.com.au
