Firearms as Investments: A Unique and Tangible Asset Class
Many collectors in Malta know that some firearms hold their value well, and that a few rare pieces have become valuable over time. That doesn't make firearms a guaranteed investment. Values can fall as well as rise, and owning firearms in Malta comes with licensing, storage and transfer rules that affect how you buy, keep and sell.
This guide explains what affects a collectable firearm's value, the costs and risks involved, and the Maltese rules to know before you start.
This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Speak to a qualified financial adviser before making investment decisions, and confirm legal requirements with the Police Weapons Office.
What affects a firearm's value
Rarity
Firearms made in small numbers, discontinued models, unusual variants and pieces with low or significant serial numbers tend to attract more interest from collectors.
Condition
Original finish, working order and freedom from rust or damage make a big difference. In Malta's humid climate, good storage and regular maintenance protect condition, and value, over time.
Originality
Matching, factory-original parts are worth more than a firearm that has been refinished, rebuilt or fitted with later parts. Beware of pieces altered to look like rarer variants, such as standard rifles fitted with scopes to pass as sniper versions.
Provenance
A documented history, such as military service records, known previous owners or a link to a notable event, can add interest and value. Claims need to be backed up by evidence.
Paperwork and accessories
Original boxes, manuals, period accessories and records all help. Keep your documentation safe along with the firearm.
The Maltese rules that affect collecting
You need the right license. A Collector's License A lets you keep any number of Schedule 2 firearms. Schedule 1 firearms, generally automatic firearms from 1946 and earlier, need a Collector's License A Special, which you can only apply for after two years on a Collector's License A. A Target Shooter License A (TSL A) is limited to 20 firearms. See our collector's license guide.
Schedule 1 firearms can't be fired with live ammunition. They're kept to own and preserve a piece of history.
The Collector's License B doesn't allow buying. If you hold inherited firearms on a Collector's License B, you can't add to them.
Every sale goes through the Police. Buyer and seller agree the sale, and the transfer takes place at the Police Depot in Floriana (or normally in Gozo for buyers who live there).
Storage is a license condition. A growing collection needs safe space, kept unloaded, locked and separate from ammunition.
Costs to factor in
Yearly Police license fee: €20 a year for a Collector's License A or A Special for up to 50 firearms. The fee increases for larger collections; check the current amount with the Police Weapons Office.
Club membership and insurance, renewed every year.
Safes big enough for your collection, plus dehumidifiers or silica gel.
Maintenance and, where needed, a qualified gunsmith.
The risks
Values can fall. Demand changes with collecting trends and law changes, both in Malta and abroad.
Selling takes time. The pool of licensed buyers in Malta is small, and every sale needs a Police transfer.
Fakes and misrepresented pieces exist. Get an experienced collector or licensed dealer to look at anything expensive before you buy.
Damage and rust can wipe out value quickly if storage isn't right.
Rule changes can affect what can be owned and sold.
Getting started
Get licensed. Join a club, complete the course and pass the police test. Find a club on our clubs page.
Learn before you buy. Reference books, auction results and experienced members at your club are the best guides to what things are really worth.
Buy what interests you. Collectors who focus on an era or type they know well make better decisions.
Look after it. Store, clean and document every piece. Our guides to storage and cleaning and maintenance can help.
Once you're licensed and verified on Maltaguns, you can see firearms listed by other verified license holders. Firearm listings are visible to verified license holders only, and Maltaguns doesn't handle firearm payments or transfers.
FAQs
Are firearms a good investment?
Some collectable firearms have held or grown their value, but there are no guarantees, and values can fall. Treat collecting as a passion first, and get financial advice before investing.
What license do I need to start a collection?
Usually a Collector's License A, which covers any number of Schedule 2 firearms.
Can I sell firearms from my collection?
Yes, to another license holder. The transfer takes place through the Police.
How much does a collector's license cost?
€20 a year for up to 50 firearms, plus club membership and insurance.
General information, not financial or legal advice. Always confirm legal requirements with the Police Weapons Office.
Photo: Ricardo Martínez González on Pexels.