Alex A

Been said before, but think sometimes its a case of who is on duty. With regards FedEx, i thought they did a great job, accurate tracking all the way. All very hit and miss. Never been a fan of stuff coming into the country with Parcelforce, due to miscalculated customs fees and them holding stuff at Coventry. Shipping out with them was never an issue. Regarding UPS, they seem experienced at dealing with such items, sending the importer the forms to fill in. All seemed very proper the times i have dealt with them, even paying the import duty whilst the item was still in the original country. Hoping they will continue to do so. Had a reply from Aoi. I don't think they yet have a grasp of the potential issues that may arise. They just said they deal with EMS which they know ends with Parcelforce. They say they cant ship via FedEx and as they did not mention UPS, then i take it that likely is not an option there either. Who knows, perhaps Parcelforce will still continue to ship the few antique swords that come in every so often, perhaps not. Time will tell. Perhaps as Michael pointed out, one could collect it from UK customs.

Russ, its vague, i was hoping the "art" might swing it for us too. Meanwhile, Arms and armour society Zoom meeting last night and the topic was brought up. Briefly, a gent that sends modern replicas around the world stated he has used the following, mentioning they all have their own customs clearance. UPS (apparently, now forms to fill in, used them for antique guns, they did have their own clearance) FEDEX (last sword arrived with this courier, they were very good, had their own clearance) DHL (Though length restrictions, cant remember using) As a Society, they are looking into further action, that needs time. They are also looking for new members, would urge folks to consider, as going forward with collecting in the UK, it may be wise. Especially those that collect an array of varying antique arms, not just the Japanese swords. Contacted Aoi Art this morn to get their take on the situation and see if they can come up with alternatives that don't complete with Parcelforce.

Would forget them and look for alternatives. Another mail, after i replied to their robot reproduced mail that they sent around the country to others. I wont be risking importing anything that finishes its journey with them, can see it heading back to sender. I guess its up to folks if they want to go collecting from the hub, rather than another firm delivering to the door. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this is going to caused you . I am really sorry about this statement but all customer had to receive the same and I do hope this has help you understand why we are no longer carrying these bladed items . It is decision that has been made by Royal Mail Group (including Parcelforce) and unfortunately it will not be changed. Once again, please accept my apologies

Seriously, when you think about it, its beyond belief. Their job is solely to deliver a "LEGAL TO OWN" item from one place to another. As other couriers do.

Hope that's the case. Maybe they have realized that their mission to clear their muddy name, coming up with such lines as........... "we strive to positively contribute to the well-being of our communities" Actually wont achieve their goal. and do more damage to their reputation. Besides, sure their will be another courier (maybe lower tier courier) just waiting to take advantage, like a coiled spring.

Just to add. Even before this latest episode with Parcelfarce, would have tried to avoid using them anyways. There are better couriers. Maybe look at using UPS, they have their own customs and avoid the dreaded Coventry hub (at risk of sounding like a broken record) Last sword arrived with Fedex Sod Parcelfarce.

ps, what a reversal, after what they did to all those folks, throwing them in prison and what not,. we strive to positively contribute to the well-being of our communities.

The attached link Account prohibitions and restrictions | Parcelforce Worldwide "Art" appears to be an exception, Sharp objects and instruments (which are not classified as prohibited goods) These items may only be despatched if they are packaged appropriately so that they do not present a risk to staff, other packages or recipients. Works of art Works of art exceeding a value of EUR 750.00 cannot be exported using the europriority service and some destinations on the euroeconomy† service. For further information refer to parcelforce.com. Works of art can be sent using the globalexpress service, but are excluded from compensation for loss or damage. † Restrictions apply to countries delivered through GLS on euroeconomy. These are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia.

Had a reply, Thank you for your email. Royal Mail Group (including Parcelforce) has recently undertaken a thorough evaluation of bladed items that have been allowed through our age verification service. This evaluation was undertaken with a primary focus on mitigating the risk of bladed items falling into the wrong hands. Our commitment to public safety and that of our dedicated delivery personnel has led us to introduce changes to our restrictions on bladed items, as outlined in our prohibitions and restrictions list here: Account prohibitions and restrictions | Parcelforce Worldwide These changes will come into effect on the 7th May 2024. Please be aware that any shipments containing the newly prohibited items must cease by this date. While we acknowledge that these adjustments may present some inconvenience, we are steadfast in our commitment to enhancing public safety. Your cooperation in adhering to these new measures is greatly appreciated as we strive to positively contribute to the well-being of our communities. Regards, Account Management Team

Aye, seen that on the news. Last thing we need.

Forgot say, about Arms fairs. What's different about these days and lets say the 70s?....................................The Internet. Don't know about anywhere else, but in the UK a lot of the high streets that used to be busy with shoppers are DEAD. The retailers have left, vacant buildings now being turned into flats or left to be derelict. Point being, people prefer to look online than travel into some busy city where perhaps they get hit with travel charges?. You have to take a car, you cant get on the train with a sword. There are ,more Westerners interested in owning Japanese swords now than in the 70s, thanks to the Internet. Are Arms fairs the best place to buy Japanese swords?, NO, though some might think otherwise. Usually don't have papers and are in old polish. Fittings often worn with rattling tsuba and tsuka falling to pieces, for the most part, projects. Sometimes you may come across an out of polish sword with a relatively well known mei, who can make a call on the spot whether gimei or not on a random sword that you just come across? Even Katana that seem relatively cheap are never cheap. There are easier and more convenient ways to buy Japanese swords, that involves sitting on your ass and looking at a screen and asking folks on a forum is what im looking at legit? or just buying a sword from a well known dealer on the internet, with papers. Times have changed, this has all been said before. What i find about Arms fairs, the only time you ever find anything interesting is when your not looking for it.. Preston Arms fair, you cant find a parking spot, its easily accessible for folks in the NW. Saying that though, its tough times for a lot of folks financially at the moment, hence everyone wants a bargain.

My last comment on this subject. Speculating about the future of collecting within the UK on a public forum may do as much damage as the original subject. If not more................ Seriously, gone from Royal asshole post stopping delivering edged steel to the land of doom and gloom. No one has mentioned looking for alternatives, just gone on about the "good old days" Depressing thread, we are all doomed if this is the response of the collecting community. Be nice read something positive No offence to anyone,

Obviously hoping someone has sense at Government and that's never going to be the case, time will tell.

Just to be clearer now i have the time. This has never been a young persons game, well, unless that young person is doing particularly well in life. There's a few on here that i bet are still in their 20s. Some dealers appear to be doing very well, stuff coming in and moving out on a regular basis, Garth Vincent for instance.. What is it you guys think will happen with regards further Government legislation?. could you be more specific?. Are you suggesting that one day all the collectors in the UK will have to take all their valuable antique arms they own down to the police station for destruction? The shipping issue within the UK, i don't see as an issue. Anything of value and folks are willing to travel to see it "in hand", which is the sensible route anyways, Most items that i have sold within the UK, folks prefer to pay cash when they see it. Wont lie, i do have concerns over certain stuff, but not about anything Antique and genuine. I mentioned i sold four knives at an arms show. These were ww2 knives. I sold them because i see them as a bit of grey area with regards shipping only, ownership was not a concern. There is only so much one is willing to own and eventually sell/ship under a worrying future regarding shipping. Shipping swords has always been an hassle, for me the curse of collecting, especially shipping abroad. Perhaps a permit might be a good idea for genuine collectors, rule out all the idiots that pick up swords for no good reasons. Said permit holders allowed to ship their items. Perhaps that's the way to go, don't know. If we are the last of the generation, then so be it. Glad i was one of those that lived to enjoy the hobby. From now on, its a case of cherry picking.

Auction houses should just buy a van and deliver it themselves They seem make enough money

I think they will only push so far, for the most part authentic antiques will be ok. Decent swords have never come cheap here, i did not get one until i was in my 30s. Look at the Lanes Armoury as an example, no end to wealthy folks wanting a Samurai sword and never will be. Preston arms fair always busy,. Seen cheap waks there for £250, usually something for the beginner. My main concern is shipping swords abroad, always has been.

I will just say this Colin. I don't collect high end swords because i cant afford them. If i did, and lets say i was posting something expensive or having one shipped here from abroad. I wouldn't be using Royal Mail, EMS, UPS or whatever. Would use a specialist shipper of the type mentioned above. When you think about it, it is crazy shipping expensive antiques in cardboard boxes with everyday couriers (especially without insurance), even for less expensive swords. My new philosophy, sell any bladed weapon that you don't cherish and wish to keep long term and avoid buying such items. Some of us not wealthy enough to own risks. However, for desirable swords of good quality , doubt the prices will drop.

There's also the specialist arms couriers. Did speak to one that will ship swords. Delivery to any airport for the buyer to collect and sort out with customs, that can be avoided with an agent. Did get a quote once, pistol to the US, from memory it was around £450 for buyer to pick up from the airport. Not cheap, but sending a katana abroad with insurance (when they did insurance) via Parcelforce was never that cheap either, remember once paying around £260. Maybe one day the higher cost will just have to be accepted and factored in, time will tell. On a plus, as Colin mentions. Do you ever really trust Royal Mail?, not really. Also, hoping some other courier will see the Royal Mail move as an opportunity to drag in some more business. UPS have been good over recent years. Royal Mail never out of the news lately for the wrong reasons, is all this an attempt to improve their ***** image?

UPS? or the others. Just to add, there doesn't seem any slow down with knife dealers. Sold 4 to a dealer at the arms fair a few weeks back. Im assuming when he sells them he wont be travelling around Britain delivering them in person.

For those that have ever wondered about the reason (?) for the hairstyle, that became popular for Samurai and non-Samurai. Never really thought about it, had the NHK series on record and it just popped up. Appears full series here, SAMURAI CHONMAGE TRUTH - Time and Tide | NHK WORLD-Japan

Just to add, spent a few hours this afternoon sorting it out. Scraped with a fingernail, cotton bud with a touch of white vinegar. Alright now, but where it was bad it is now slightly pitted, although the patina is intact. Not telling folks to do this with expensive tsuba or anything of great value. Anyways, they are coming back in the house, definitely over winter Just glad it wasn't some expensive bronze cannon or something

Thought i would put this here as i know some folks collect bronze etc. Bought these Bronze temple lions many years ago, at least 15 years now. They have been sat in various positions over that time and never had any issues up until very recently. They are mass produced and were not expensive at the time, though i do like them. Anyways, for the last six years they have been in the conservatory, its not heated unless we are in there during the winter. They were fine and then they weren't , came as a surprise as never had issues. Last summer they were looking dusty so i hosed them down outside and let them dry, then Ren wax. That was the first time i had used wax since i bought them all those years ago. About four months ago i moved them, one ended up in full morning sun on one side, the other in the shade. Just happened to notice an issue last week. Check out the side that got the sun compared to its other side in the shade. Looked like white spots, now on closer inspection looks like green, Verdigris. The other statue which was in the shade has no Verdigris either. Now moved them back into the shade, will have to do something about the verdigris.

These Saotome threads always end up with a size discussion Did have one once, not so big as you guys (sounds well) Surprisingly heavy, got the impression ok for a battlefield,

Dale, are you sure its not a wagon wheel?

Another reason for the difference in condition. Didn't some Samurai walk about with just a wak a lot of the time? at the end of the Edo? Sometimes, 2 swords where size was not that much different. As in nakago ana size. Guess we will never know. Can understand someone wanting a matching set of these type of tsuba in particular, I do............ lol. Have one similar made from copper, had a chance to acquire one to match but other commitments. Kick myself a bit for that, would have made a nice display.