Best place to buy swords?

G. McCormack · 7th April 2007, 12:26 AM

If travel costs and political unrest weren't factors, where would you guys go to buy swords?

Yannis · 7th April 2007, 12:28 AM

London

David · 7th April 2007, 04:11 PM

I would think that would depend completely upon the type of sword one wanted to buy.

Jens Nordlunde · 7th April 2007, 04:47 PM

It depends a bit, as in several countries you can buy an antic weapon, but you can’t export it, so if you go abroad to buy weapons, make sure you can get them out of the country in a legal way – before you buy.

Freddy · 7th April 2007, 06:50 PM

As to weapons from Congo, I think you would find the best pieces in the attic of an elderly person who used to live there. You can't imagine what turns up now and again. Mostly, these pieces come onto the market when the person dies and his relatives clear the house.
The trick is to be the first !

Unfortunately, nowadays a lot of copies and/or newer pieces can be found on the internet.

G. McCormack · 7th April 2007, 07:02 PM

Yannis, you say London.. do you mean at auctions?

Jens thats a good point. Have you had problems with this in the past?

Also, does anybody know of specific countries that are good or bad for finding weapons that originated there? For instance, if I were looking for Japanese swords I would think that educated dealers and collectors coupled with strict laws would make it unlikely to find many garage-sale deals

I'm sure few broad statements can be made, I'm just interested in hearing of peoples experiences

Emanuel · 7th April 2007, 07:55 PM

In Japan, all nihon-to must be registered with a state ministry by law. So I think it's pretty much impossible to find a good sword at a garage sale, when there are plenty of formal venues to sell one for big bucks. I think a while ago the US was a good source for such blades, but due to the popularization of Japanese swords in the media, even the oldest vet will have some idea of the value of a bring-back.

HUSAR · 8th April 2007, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

It depends a bit, as in several countries you can buy an antic weapon, but you can’t export it, so if you go abroad to buy weapons, make sure you can get them out of the country in a legal way – before you buy.

to export anything out of Poland what is pre 1945 is just a pain... so better do not buy here

josh stout · 9th April 2007, 04:27 PM

If I could go anywhere I would go to Afghanistan. I have heard of wootz pieces going for well under $100.

If that was too dangerous I would go to Indonesia, but remember to watch out for fakes.
Josh

7th April 2007, 12:26 AM	#1
G. McCormack Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 131	Best place to buy swords? If travel costs and political unrest weren't factors, where would you guys go to buy swords?

7th April 2007, 12:28 AM	#2
Yannis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Athens Greece Posts: 479	London

7th April 2007, 04:11 PM	#3
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,250	I would think that would depend completely upon the type of sword one wanted to buy.

7th April 2007, 04:47 PM	#4
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	It depends a bit, as in several countries you can buy an antic weapon, but you can’t export it, so if you go abroad to buy weapons, make sure you can get them out of the country in a legal way – before you buy.

7th April 2007, 06:50 PM	#5
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	As to weapons from Congo, I think you would find the best pieces in the attic of an elderly person who used to live there. You can't imagine what turns up now and again. Mostly, these pieces come onto the market when the person dies and his relatives clear the house. The trick is to be the first ! Unfortunately, nowadays a lot of copies and/or newer pieces can be found on the internet.

7th April 2007, 07:02 PM	#6
G. McCormack Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 131	Yannis, you say London.. do you mean at auctions? Jens thats a good point. Have you had problems with this in the past? Also, does anybody know of specific countries that are good or bad for finding weapons that originated there? For instance, if I were looking for Japanese swords I would think that educated dealers and collectors coupled with strict laws would make it unlikely to find many garage-sale deals I'm sure few broad statements can be made, I'm just interested in hearing of peoples experiences

7th April 2007, 07:55 PM	#7
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	In Japan, all nihon-to must be registered with a state ministry by law. So I think it's pretty much impossible to find a good sword at a garage sale, when there are plenty of formal venues to sell one for big bucks. I think a while ago the US was a good source for such blades, but due to the popularization of Japanese swords in the media, even the oldest vet will have some idea of the value of a bring-back.

9th April 2007, 04:27 PM	#9
josh stout Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 407	If I could go anywhere I would go to Afghanistan. I have heard of wootz pieces going for well under $100. If that was too dangerous I would go to Indonesia, but remember to watch out for fakes. Josh