Heads up; sometime around last week, the lower level weapons and armor are no longer avaialable for purchase in the shops once you pass a certain level.

So either this is a defect OR (Note to Self) you need to hang on to those lower weapons like "Mace" and "Morning Star" in case future Special Quest item contests touch a "Quest" that requires those items. You won't be able to buy them to fulfill the quest and will thus be blocked from questing for the special item drop.

This is also true of the Boss Attacks. The higher you go, the more a piece of armor or weapon is required and you might find yourself needing an item you can no longer get.