I wonder if any folks out there would care to comment about actual experiences
they have had purchasing a sword from Europe. I have been tempted several
times, but have stopped myself due to an experence I had years ago with a small
antique telescope I bought while on vacation In England. I was informed I had to either
clear it myself through customs, or hire a rather expensive customs broker to clear it
for me. In purely monetary terms, the article cost as much as a good quality sword.
I had to take a personal day, drive to the airport and clear it through. Not an
experience I would care to repeat today. Any thoughts would be greatfully appreciated.
Henry

Sounds like the people you talked with were either ill informed or did not really want to sell the sword. I've had no more difficulty ordering from Europe, especially with the advent of PayPal, than I do ordering in the states. In other words, pick a reputable vender, you pay, they ship, no problems.

I have bought several swords from different makers in Europe and had no problems. The only problem I had was returning a expensive custom I received damaged for repair to the UK. Long story there....

I have never ordered a sword from Europe, but I do import expensive musical instruments ($1,000-$3,000) on occasion from Europe.

If the shipper uses one of the major shipping carriers (e.g., DHL) then the carrier will act as your broker and clear the item through customs.

In my experience, the carrier will also pay the duty on the item for you, and later you will receive a bill in the mail from the carrier for the amount of duty that they paid, and perhaps a small brokerage fee. On rare occasion I've had the carrier ask for the duty/brokerage payment at the time of delivery.

edit:
I don't know the duty for swords, but for a $2,000 musical instrument I'll pay roughly $40 for duty and brokerage fees.

Have never been asked for any fees after getting swords or bicycles delivered. :\

I bought a sword from Scotland a few years ago with no problems and no delay in customs. Mine was not an antique and that could have been the difference.

Earlier this year I bought a long seax from the Chech Republic. No problems whatsoever. It just arrived in the time that they maker promised.

If you don't get flagged at the coast, you are fine.
If you are unlucky, you can get slapped with some percentages of the total cost of the piece.

It depends on your luck sometimes.

I have also had to pay to protect local sword markets that don't exist. Tennessee? Yeah, we have so many people making swords here.... My damned county has charged me fees before. So I wasted their time for a bit and finally paid. ^^

What I live by: Figure out how much it could POTENTIALLY cost you. Get that all saved up and don't touch it. Get what you want. Wait a bit... You don't get flagged? Spend that or keep it saved back as you will.


EDIT: this is from my experience buying over the seas and getting it shipped to me in the states.

I've never been over to the other side of the pond. :/

I've bought from the UK, Czech, Sweden, and Slovakia. Never had a problem. Never once paid duty. Shipping has always been fast. I say go for it!

I would like to thank all who responded with their helpful hints and suggestions.
I think I'll have a go. We'll see what happens.

Henry