AN OAP was found cleaning World War I and World War II guns at home when police came to speak to him about a neighbour dispute.
Officers made the startling discovering after going to speak to John Smiley, 74, in Caerphilly.
Newport Crown Court heard how the pensioner was a collector of memorabilia from the Great War and Second World War.
Smiley owned a Webley revolver, a Smith and Wesson handgun and a 9mm calibre Luger self-loading pistol.
A 9mm calibre Luger self-loading pistol was discovered. Picture: CPS Wales
He had been keeping the guns for half a century.
The defendant, of Riverside Terrace, Machen, also had rounds of ammunition.
Smiley was spared the mandatory five-year prison sentence for illegal firearms offences because Judge Jeremy Jenkins said there were “exceptional” circumstances in the case.
The weapons, like these rifles, will be exhibited in a museum. Picture: CPS Wales
He told the defendant: “When the officers attended, you were cleaning World War I and World War II weapons which you cherished and knew a great deal about.
“They were part and parcel of a collection.
“You were a collector with extensive knowledge and interest in memorabilia, including World War I and World War II firearms.”
Not only guns were found but ammo. Picture: CPS Wales
The weapons, the court heard, were “well-maintained and properly housed in an appropriate area” where they were kept locked up.
Judge Jenkins added: “You were of an exemplary character and you have been in possession of these pistols for 50 years.
“They were collectors’ items rather than being used for anything else.
“They were not being used for any nefarious purposes.
“They are likely to end up in a museum for people like yourself to enjoy at their leisure.”
Smiley pleaded guilty to possession of prohibited firearms and possession of prohibited ammunition.
The offences were committed on November 10, 2019.
Kevin Seal, mitigating, said: “The last two years have been a very anxious time for defendant.
“He feels a great deal of shame.”
Smiley was jailed for two years, suspended for 12 months.
He was also ordered to pay £1,500 costs and a £140 victim surcharge.
The court ordered the forfeiture of the guns and ammunition.
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