Packing and shipping becoming more difficult
 

So I wanted to bid on a sword listed on a well known French auction site, and the shipping company I've shipped with just last year informed me that they will no longer collect and ship antique swords and other arms because "most carriers refuse to take charge of weapons".
That's disconcerting. If even a company dedicated to shipping can't or won't come up with a reliable carrier, are we in Europe now confined to collecting only lots that we can pick up ourselves? Or are there still reliable companies that will pick up, pack and ship antique arms?

Hallo,
Here in Germany there are several companies specialized on im-and export of hunting weapons and i think ,they also do this job with antiques. For example Waffen Bock,Krico GmbH, Waffen Taxi and others.Certainly you can find similar companies in France and other countries.But unfortunately this is not cheap.....

Unfortunately the other companies I asked for a shipping quote never even bothered to respond and the auction is now over.
But if anyone has any suggestions for a company in France that will still do pickup, packing and delivery of antique arms please do let me know.

Not that I live in the EU, but I would have thought that if you are having trouble with shipping within the EU and really want a particular item, then maybe a train journey to pick the item up could be an option. EU rail links and journeys are easy in your part of the world. At least then you would not miss out on a nice piece for your collection.
Stu

I believe that personal collection of expensive and/or irreplaceable items is the preferred option for many collectors, not only of antique weapons, but also of other types of collectable.

I live in Australia, and have had several visitors from USA, Europe & South East Asia who came to Australia for no reason other than to collect a purchase.

I don't really see that as a viable option most of the time, unfortunately.

It is becoming almost impossible. Or quotes are so high it is not worth it.