Classical violinist Jonathon Glonek describes himself as a "weird sort of animal".
If he hadn't pursued a career in music, which has taken him to New York's Carnegie Hall and St James's Church in London, he would have joined the army.
"I'm just one of those military people," Glonek told AAP.
As a cadet in high school he revelled in using .303 rifles, which were manufactured at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory, in central west NSW, and used by Australians in the world wars.
"They were just called 'Lithgows' ... they were very, very prized for their accuracy."
On a long-running tour across regional Australia, Glonek hoped to visit the Small Arms Factory Museum at the foot of the Blue Mountains only to find it was closed.
The future of the small but significant museum is in limbo after an alleged break-in in August.
As the son of a veteran, he felt compelled to help by putting on a recital at the museum on Saturday.
"I got quite alarmed because it really is a very important piece of ANZAC history and Australian history," Glonek said.
"It has a global significance."
The alleged theft of 27 guns from the museum forced the temporary closure to allow for extensive security improvements.
Three men accused of the break-in are before the courts.
The museum has since been paying $5000 per week for overnight security guards, while waiting on approvals for the building upgrades from owner Thales Australia, volunteer Donna White said.
It is a huge expense beyond the means of a community group and puts the facility in jeopardy, Ms White said.
"God knows what's going to happen if the museum folds," she told AAP.
"There's about 120 pieces of specialised machinery ... a lot of that stuff is just going to be gone forever.
"It's virtually the story of Australian manufacturing."
A statement from Thales on Monday said the company was proud to host the museum and was willing to commit to a long-term lease to secure its future.
"We recognise the museum's significance to Australia's defence industrial heritage and to the Lithgow community," the statement said.
"We are committed to supporting its ongoing operation."
The volunteers received details of the company's intentions, but remain concerned about the threat of closure even under a long-term lease.
The factory, which opened in 1912, was central to Australia's early military and manufacturing power, supplying weapons to the nation's troops in every major war.
Workers made almost anything the nation needed during peace time, such as train parts, shearing tools, Sunbeam Mixmasters, cinema projectors and golf clubs.
Museum treasurer Kerry Guerin said Glonek's support was meaningful.
"But we've got to survive to see those benefits," Mr Guerin said.
Entry to the recital and a small open day is by donation.
