Man facing trial over 63-gun stash argues they are antiques - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Andrew Rankmore has argued his stash of guns are antiques, not illegal weapons. (Supplied: NSW Police)

Andrew David Rankmore has pleaded not guilty to 97 weapon-related offences, arguing he owns antiques.

A pre-trial hearing is assessing the classification of his guns, with a judge told Mr Rankmore is an enthusiast, not a criminal.

The Crown says it intends to reassess the charges, conceding some guns may qualify as antiques.

A court has heard a stash of dozens of guns seized by police in the NSW Hunter Valley are antiques rather than illegal firearms.

Andrew David Rankmore, 42, has pleaded not guilty to 97 weapons offences, including possessing unauthorised pistols and ammunition, and not storing firearms safely.

In 2024, Port Stephens police officers were assisted by federal environmental officers when they raided his Williamtown home.

Newcastle Local Court previously heard 63 firearms were seized, including unregistered handguns and unregistered rifles, as well as shotguns, ammunition and firearm parts.

Mr Rankmore has argued the weapons fall under the classification of antiques.

Andrew David Rankmore has pleaded not guilty to 97 weapon-related offences. (ABC News: Giselle Wakatama)

In a pre-trial hearing in Newcastle District Court today, Mr Rankmore's solicitor, Dominic Green, described his client as an "enthusiast" and not a criminal.

"Some of the weapons were described by the police expert himself as antique revolvers, all considered antique if manufactured prior to 1900," he said.

Solicitor and trial advocate Tanika Vakuara appeared on behalf of the director of public prosecutions.

Ms Vakuara conceded that at least a dozen or more firearms could meet the definition in terms of the interpretation section 6A of the Firearms Act.

"And at the relevant time the accused did hold a category G firearms licence that would allow him to posses them, but not necessarily to use them."

Andrew Rankmore argues the weapons are antiques and are not unlawful. (Supplied: NSW Police)

Ms Vakuara did, however, raise concerns about storage, with some weapons seized found in a beehive and bedroom table drawer.

The court heard a gun was also allegedly found inside a sock in Mr Rankmore's pocket when police arrived at his home.

Mr Green said there were few storage requirements for enthusiasts like his client, who regularly attended gun shows.

"The storage requirements are minimal and there are no transport restrictions at all," he said.

"There is nothing requiring a bolt to be removed or locked at all."

He said his client possessed an array of "cap and ball revolvers that do not require registration".

Andrew David Rankmore's pre-trial hearing was in Newcastle District Court. (ABC Newcastle: Robert Virtue)

Judge Bennett told the court he was familiar with the history of antique weapons.

"Samuel Colt produced a number of these revolvers that evolved before the Civil War … they went as far back as 1842."

Mr Rankmore also stands accused of possessing chemicals consistent with the manufacture of gun powder, a charge he denies.

At the end of the hearing, Ms Vakaura said the Crown would need to "carefully reassess" the case against Mr Rankmore, after seeking further advice on firearm classifications.

"If I can be frank, I think the original basis on which Crown certified these charges was that each of these required registration, the conclusion I have is they did not," she said.

Judge Bennett deferred his judgment on the classification of the weapons until next week, noting potential consequences if there was a conviction.

He will hand down his judgment on the classification of the weapons on October 1.