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Weapons and Ammunition: Safe Storage According to Law and Preservation Technique

Collecting military artifacts is a passion that demands care, knowledge, and responsibility. Especially when it involves weapons and ammunition—whether deactivated or still active—strict rules and best practices apply. Dutch law sets clear frameworks, but conservation techniques from the museum world also play a vital role in storing these objects safely and sustainably. This article discusses key guidelines, techniques, and pitfalls.

1. Legislation on Weapons and Ammunition in the Netherlands

1.1. The Weapons and Ammunition Act (WWM)

In the Netherlands, the possession of weapons and ammunition is regulated under the Weapons and Ammunition Act (WMM). The law distinguished four categories:

  1. Category I – Prohibited weapons such as stilettos, banned firearms, etc.
  2. Category II – Firearms like machine guns and automatic rifles.
  3. Category III – Hunting rifles, sporting weapons, and associated ammunition (permit required).
  4. Category IV – Items that are not weapons in themselves but can be used as such (e.g., swords, antique firearms, etc.).
Copy of Mexican firearm registration card (for the sake of not finding any other relevant picture)
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

Although these classifications are clearly defined in law, gray areas often arise in practice. For example, collectors may unknowingly possess heirlooms like an old Flobert rifle or black powder firearm, not realizing a permit is required. It is therefore wise to check every item in your collection—especially when acquiring new pieces from fairs, auctions, or private sales.

1.2. Deactivated Weapons

A weapon that has been permanently deactivated (and certified by a recognized body) is exempt from permit requirements, provided:

  • The weapon can no longer fire (not even with simple modifications).
  • A deactivation certificate or EU-marked proof is present.
  • The weapon is physically altered according to post-2016 norms (EU Regulation 2015/2403).

A deactivated weapon may still impress with its historical value and appearance. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between a cosmetically deactivated piece and one that meets official EU standards. Many weapons in circulation only have the trigger removed, while the firing pin or chamber remains intact—something Dutch law does not accept. Owning an incorrectly deactivated weapon can have legal consequences, even if unintentional.

Note::. Many older deactivations are no longer legally valid. Reassessment or re-registration may be necessary.

1.3. Ammunition

Different rules apply for ammunition:

  • Empty casings and inert projectiles (no powder or primer) can usually be stored without a permit.
  • Practice rounds, dummy rounds, and defused ammunition are conditionally allowed.
  • Live ammunition or explosive materials are almost always prohibited without a specific license (WECG or WWM).

Not all collectors know that even empty casings or seemingly harmless projectiles can fall under WWM, depending on composition and condition. For example: a shell casing without explosives but with an intact firing mechanism may still be considered an explosive object. When in doubt, consult a certified ammunition expert or the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).

1.4. Maximum Quantities (Indicative)

For private collectors:

  • Live ammunition: Only with a permit, no freely allowed amounts.
  • Inert (defused) ammunition: Up to 25 items for educational/collecting purposes is usually defensible during inspection—provided they are safely stored.
  • Weapons (Category IV or deactivated): No strict maximum, but safe storage is required (see next section).
Mosin-Nagant active ammo clip

While the law does not impose a hard cap on how many weapons or ammunition items a collector may own, context is crucial. Authorities consider storage conditions, collection purpose, and risk of misuse. A collector with 50 dummy grenades, neatly stored and documented, will raise fewer concerns than someone with five items carelessly stored in a shed without provenance.

Always consult the Police Chief (Politie) or the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) when in doubt.

2. Safe Storage: Minimizing Risks

Regardless of legality, safe storage of weapons and ammunition requires great care—for your safety, your environment, and the collection itself.

2.1. Gun Safes and Security

Even deactivated weapons should be:

  • Stored in a gun safe or lockable steel cabinet.
  • Secured with mechanical locks or biometric access if possible.
  • Placed in a discreet location—avoid display cases visible from windows or public spaces.
Gun Safes

Ammunition—even if inert—should ideally be stored separately from weapons.

2,2. Children and Visitors

Make sure children cannot access your collection, even if it’s harmless. Preferably:

  • Lock the storage room with a key.
  • Avoid “playful” displays such as open stands or table setups.

3. Preservation Techniques: Vonserving for the Future

3.1. Rust Prevention in Firearms

Rust is the greatest enemy of metal military artifacts. In our article “Preventing and Treating Rust on Military Equipment,” we went into detail—here’s a summary:

Prevention:

  • Use microcrystalline wax (e.g., Renaissance Wax) to protect metal surfaces.
  • Remove old grease, soot, or fingerprints with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Store in breathable packaging—never airtight plastic without desiccants.

Cleaning:

  • Do not use steel wool or abrasives.
  • Remove surface rust with a brass brush or bamboo stick.
  • Treat with non-silicone conservation oil afterward.

3.2. Preserving Wooden Stocks of Grips

  • Clean wood only with a dry cloth or soft brush.
  • Use beeswax or turpentine-based wax for protection.
  • Avoid linseed oil or modern wood oils—they can cause discoloration or drying out.

3.3. Ammunition Conservation

For dummy or training ammunition:

  • Remove oxidation with a soft cloth and possibly a bit of vinegar water (caution with copper).
  • Use Brasso or similar products sparingly.
  • Store casings upright in acid-free boxes or foam holders.

4. Documentation and Provencance

An often-forgotten aspect of safe collection is administration:

  • Document provenance, purchase date, condition, and any permits.
  • Add photos of the objects for identification.
  • Scan and save copies of deactivation certificates, purchase receipts, and official correspondence.

5. Museum-Level Display Tips

Want to display your collection?

  • Use acrylic cases with UV filters.
  • Never place weapons upright without support—they may warp or fall.
  • Label each piece clearly: origin, type, year, and legal status (e.g., deactivated).
  • For valuable items, consider humidity-regulating display cases.

6. Common Mistakes (And How to Prevent Them)

MistakeConsequenceSolution
Storage in damp basementRust formationUse a dry, ventilated room
Use of steel brushesScratches and metal lossUse soft brushes or microfiber cloths
Weapons left in plain viewSafety risk and legal issuesStore in a locked cabinet
No documentation of provenanceNo proof for control or resaleKeep thorough records

7. Final Thoughts: Collect with Respect and Knowledge

Collecting weapons and ammunition requires a balance between historical awareness, technical insight, and legal responsibility. By following the above guidelines, you contribute to the safety of yourself and others—and ensure the preservation of military heritage for the future. Have a rare item or unsure about legality? Contact your local Police Weapons and Ammunition Division, a museum conservator, or a licensed arms dealer for advice.

Bas de Vries – 02-07-2025

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