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Post by mccoy on Jun 24, 2020 15:04:59 GMT
Hi everyone.
Total newb here so if I am not posting in the right location or if I forgot to do something, please let me know. I own a few swords for a couple decades now, italian rapier, classical fencing swords, fantasy and decent katanas, and a few medieval swords. Getting holder, having a place to properly display my collection, and having a bit more disposable income, I've decided to learn more about the topic with the objective to start acquiring more swords. Currently my interest is geared towards WWII Guntos and French Napoleonic Swords (both antiques and perhaps replicas). I've quickly noticed that finding this type of swords is quite difficult for a beginner. Of course, I am reading as much as I can about each type of swords to make myself more knowledgeable and avoid making a costly mistake. However, outside of eBay, I was wondering if there is a list of either marketplaces, auction houses, independent sellers and other providers that might carry this type of swords and that are recommended. Thank you so much for your help.
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Post by randomnobody on Jun 24, 2020 15:27:41 GMT
Being in the market, sort of, for a particular French sword, myself...good luck. There are a handful of sellers, but none that I can personally recommend as I've never dealt with any of them. Napoleonic swords, in particular, run high and sell fast, so it's a tough market. Gunto present a different problem: Most of what you see online are fakes. Those that aren't run the gamut from priceless family heirloom in gunto mounts to "last-ditch" swords that, well, aren't particularly desirable. Lucky for you, there are several people here who know more about this than I do, and they'll be along to correct me soon.
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Post by pellius on Jun 24, 2020 16:07:11 GMT
I got most of my antiques from members here on SBG. I watch the classifieds pretty closely. I also watch the Feedback section.
I must admit that I have also perused the Members Collections threads, and outright pm’d forumites as to whether they would part with a given sword. When I go this route, I try really hard to be respectful, and I don’t haggle at all. If they are willing to sell, I buy immediately (including all costs). I would politely decline if their price was extremely unreasonably high, but I’ve generally researched the market price already, and am prepared to pay a premium over and above that. On the whole, though, folks have been very fair in such transactions.
You may even want to go ahead and buy a sword or two that you aren’t super interested in, just to establish a relationship with a few forumites. It can be a bit pricey, but you generally will get what is promised, plus some “extra” swords that might be quite nice.
I’ve dealt with a few dealers, all of which were quite good (though full retail). I’ll edit this post with the ones I’ve used when I get a minute.
As far as Napoleonic swords, they are mostly outside my budget. However, there are tons of fakes and deception in that niche. If I ever get my ANxx, I’ll buy it from a trusted source for sure.
Happy hunting!
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Post by pellius on Jun 24, 2020 16:41:56 GMT
You didn’t mention your reasons for focusing on French Napoleonics and gunto, which is completely fine.
Regarding the French swords, if your interest in them is, like mine, based on how beautiful they are, then I would suggest considering other swords that have a similar look or feel. A wider net may yield faster acceptable results. For example, ANXI(II) LC’s are rare to surface in good condition and reliable integrity. When they do, they are way outside my budget. However, a forumite kindly sold me a Belgian 1802/Dutch 1814, which is close enough for my tastes, and was considerably less expensive.
If you are an historian or Francophile, then looking for swords just outside of the strictly Napoleonic timeframe might be fruitful. The same forumite very very kindly sold me a Fr. 1822 HC Officer’s, which is the pride of my humble collection. It isn’t as sought after as the trooper version, and the hilt is worn, but it is a true first gen “Bancal,” and fills me with joy to possess. While not Napoleonic, the model made its own mark on history.
I’m afraid nihonto are outside my experience and budget. Gunto seem to have jumped in price and desirability lately. Posting in the Japanese Swords section might be useful.
Anyway, a few thoughts, for what it’s worth.
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Post by soulfromheart on Jun 24, 2020 19:14:08 GMT
For the French Swords, I remember that recently an An XI saber (antique and replica duo) were for sale ( here) but I don't know enough about the subject to judge about the opportunity. The Empire/Antik Costume site belongs to one Mister Guinhut so searching his name on this forum might yield interesting threads about Napoleonic Swords too. (However, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise, he doesn't sell sharps, doesn't offer any sharpening services and no refund as I understand it.)
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Post by mccoy on Jun 26, 2020 23:31:18 GMT
Thanks anyway. I really appreciate your kind words. I'll be happy to share my findings if any.
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Post by mccoy on Jun 26, 2020 23:32:52 GMT
Thanks for your advice! I will keep an eye on the classifieds section, for sure!
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