Discusses conservation of weapon and arms collections from the ethical point of view. An object is a material historical source, which deserves careful and proper treatment in the public interest. Aspects to be considered are: is the weapon a work of art? is it a masterpiece of craft and technical skill - or the opposite? is it of historical interest - a witnessing object or objet temoin ? does it represent a stage in the development of its type? does it bear traces of a development? has it been altered or modernised? does it show traces of techniques or methods of production? does it bear signs of historical events? all these points need to be considered and any decisions about the sort of treatment to be given must be taken after careful appraisal of them all.