Buying From Europe

[Michaelr]

Good morning everyone. I am new to the forum and fairly new to Japanese Swords. Although I have collected US Military for over 50 years The Japanese Sword has just recently caught my attention. I know what pleases my eye and am trying my best to learn all that I can. My question is that I have seen some swords advertised for sale here on the board that peak my interest but they are in Europe( UK,FRANCE or ITALY ). I know that I can contact the seller but my concern is shipping them into the USA. Can they be shipped direct to my home? Are they held up in customs? Is there anything special that I should or must do to assure a smooth transaction. I know that there are also many Swords advertised here in the USA and I also look at those but I was just looking for advice if the time comes that I just can't resist something that I see from Europe. Thank you in advance. Mike

[Fuuten]

1. Can they be shipped direct to my home?

2. Are they held up in customs?

3. Is there anything special that I should or must do to assure a smooth transaction

1. Yes.

2. Yes they can be and probably will be for a time.

3. Basically I'll just throw in the obvious and you'll have to wait for more experienced people to chime in. Using the correct HS code is vital (more on this was posted not too long ago by Darcy if i'm not mistaken). And of course careful packaging in required, but assuming the items you are interested in are being offered by a dealer i'm sure they'll know more. I wouldn't deal with an inexperienced seller in this case simply because the risks shipping are so wide and known, i'm sure you can imagine some horror scenario's and considering these items are of historical value (authentic ones anyway), and theft and such will cost you personally, I'd go with a save bet.

 

Also if you're inexperienced in Nihonto like me, you'll most likely be told to buy a books instead, so you don't buy some Chinese ripoff and know what to look for, pay attention to or outright recognize traits. Anyway, welcome to the field its a true adventure!

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Michael R,

Customs shouldn't be too cumbersome; there is no duty coming into the US on antiques.  There are 2 possible hangups however: ivory and same'.  Some shira-saya have ivory eyelets at the mekugi-ana (customs will definitely raise a stink about ivory) and I know someone who had trouble with same' once.

Much easier and less expensive post if you live in the US and buy in the US.

Grey

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

As regards Italy, we have extremely crazy laws that label Swords as war weapons. Same as an M4  . To collect, buy and sell such items you need special authorization (even if older than 100 years) and send them abroad (also teporarly for a Shinsa) is a pain in the back. Be assured to pick up serious sellers that knows how to move into this madness.  

[Michaelr]

Thank you all for your Great Responses. I think that Grey had good advice for me, buy here in the USA and save myself potential headaches. Mike