Shipping to Russian Federation

[Grey Doffin]

Hi guys,

I just sold a sword to someone in the Russian Federation. He tells me that his Customs requires the blade and koshirae to be packaged and shipped separately, blade in one tube and mounts in the other.

Anyone know if this is true and if so why?

Thanks, Grey

[Ted Tenold]

Grey, I've shipped to that region before, but didn't have to go through that process. Maybe a recent policy? Maybe it's a weapon if mounted and subject to rejection?

[kazarena]

Hi Grey,

 

Being Russian myself (but not living in Russia) I heard about this way of shipping. As far as I remember it's not a requirement of any kind, but rather a way to reduce the amount of potential hassle with Customs. I don't mean tax avoidance as Russian Customs are pretty efficient in charging whatever taxes/fees they find appropriate. But when the blade is shipped separately from koshirae, it looks more like an antique item and not like an offensive weapon which is a good candidate for being taken by police/mysteriously lost in transfer/greasy fingerprints left/bent to see if it's made of real steel (yes, it's a true story!) etc.

 

That's what I heard. I can't guarantee it's 100% correct though, but it sounds plausible.

 

Regards,

Stan

[Clive Sinclaire]

Gentlemen

Slightly off the subject I know, but I understand that PM Putin is an admirer of Japanese swords and owns a first class Kanemitsu which was a gift. - interesting?

Regards

Clive

[Brian]

Clive....that is interesting, and to take it even more off topic (can start a new thread if worth it) I was wondering which other important ppl or celebs out there are collectors or enthusiasts of Nihonto?

I know Steven Segal is a fan and owns a few. Did I hear something about Stephen Spielberg maybe? Anyone else?

 

Brian

[Clive Sinclaire]

Brian

I did value a mumei shinshinto sword with a reasonable koshirae that belonged to Eric Clapton a few months ago. It was OK but not worthy of the guitar god I am afraid!

Clive

[DirkO]

Brian,

 

I think you got the Stephen Spielberg bit from the Nat Geo documentary, if I recall correctly.

 

I also think there's a book out there about nihonto in the collections of famous people, but I'm not sure if this is just about FN (Famous Nihon-jin) or more of a worldwide thing :-)

 

PS Clive : I'm more of a Mark Knopfler-fan :D

[Clive Sinclaire]

I met Mark Knofler once but sadly he had no Nihonto!

[DirkO]

I met Mark Knofler once but sadly he had no Nihonto!

OMG I would give anything for a meet and greet with Mark :-) But yes, apparently there's big scary world out there full of people who don't collect nihonto or even care about them !