Sending a bayonet overseas?

[ChemicalChaos]

Hi all,

A collector in Greece wants to buy a WW2 bayonet from me but I just want to double check before I post it that it's not going to be seized or get either of us in trouble.
Firstly, whilst most couriers won't carry knives, the Royal Mail site says they will carry them as long as they are "properly packaged to prevent injury" - fair enough.
However, I have a niggling doubt that this might apply to "purpose knives" - ie kitchen knives, and not "offensive weapon" knives like a bayonet - even if it is an antique collectable? Does anyone know for sure? Obviously I have to declare what it is at the post office - would simply saying "a knife" be ok?

Secondly, am I right in thinking that I don't need to fill out a customs form, as Greece is just about part of the EU?

Thanks!

[anonymous-user]

I would go to the post office and ask them.

Just don't start waving the bayonet around

[Vocal Minority]

There may be some military collectors/dealers on ebay, they may be able to advise if you email and ask nicely - it can't be the first time this question has needed answering.

I don't suppose customs are the people to ask really - they're probably only interested in potential duty on inbound stuff.

[gregs656]

The distinction between your knife and a kitchen knife doesn't apply. It is not on the banned list so perfectly fine to post it within the RM guidelines.

[northwest monkey]

ChemicalChaos said:

Hi all,

Secondly, am I right in thinking that I don't need to fill out a customs form, as Greece is just about part of the EU?

Thanks!

Correct.

Send it tracked though (not via normal RM Airmail as it wont work properly) as Greece is a bloody nightmare. Try Parcel2Go or similar for a proper courier - UPS or similar.

[XslaneyX]

OT but OP are you clued up on Bayonets or daggers from the past? I have one but need help identifying what it could be.

[Vocal Minority]

If this turns into a look at my random militaria - its getting book marked....

[anonymous-user]

Keep one eye on the postal receipt

[ChemicalChaos]

Thanks everyone

XslaneyX said:

OT but OP are you clued up on Bayonets or daggers from the past? I have one but need help identifying what it could be.

Afraid not, I only had this one as part of a small job lot of military things I've been selling off. There's plenty of militaria groups on Facebook etc though

[austinsmirk]

DSGbangs said:

Keep one eye on the postal receipt

I couldn't make the joke work, but you did ! well done sir !

[greghm]

I got a sword from France once. I can tell you it was fun in the Tube with the card board covering it

[ellroy]

Just goes to show how times have changed.

I once flew back from Germany for a mate's wedding carrying a sword, not covered up just in its scabbard, on the train it sat in the luggage rack etc. No one batted an eye lid.

[Jonmx]

Is it in a scabbard at all? I have an L1A1 Bayonet that's in a metal scabbard and pretty harmless when it's sheathed. My advice would be to wrap it in loads of bubble wrap so you can drop it and not hear that there's anything in it. Then wrap the bubble wrap with thick card and then loads of brown packaging tape so it's mission impossible to open.
As it's Greece you shouldn't need to do a customs declaration, but be aware that if it's not going to one of the major cities, you could end up with it being delivered by a guy on a horse and cart(I st you not)out in the sticks so it may take some time! Also having worked in logistics, definitely get a signed for service with Greece.
If they ask what's inside, be imaginative, 'militaria themed letter opener.'
On a comedy note I got my sellers account suspended for being a naughty boy last year, they didn't deem a 3ft high Naval shell as a suitable umbrella stand

[anonymous-user]

austinsmirk said:

DSGbangs said:

Keep one eye on the postal receipt

I couldn't make the joke work, but you did ! well done sir !

Many thanks

[greghm]

ChemicalChaos said:

Hi all,

A collector in Greece wants to buy a WW2 bayonet from me but I just want to double check before I post it that it's not going to be seized or get either of us in trouble.


Thanks!

What Bayonet did you get by the way ?

[ChemicalChaos]

greghm said:

ChemicalChaos said:

Hi all,

A collector in Greece wants to buy a WW2 bayonet from me but I just want to double check before I post it that it's not going to be seized or get either of us in trouble.


Thanks!

What Bayonet did you get by the way ?

It's a British no. 4 bayonet with the sheath, which I gather is often missing.

The collector chap seemed satisfied when I told him it was OK to post, but then came back and said he'd gave to check at his end. That was 2 weeks ago...

[Ayahuasca]

I bought a sword from an antique sword dealer in France and had it posted to the UK no problem.

[Henners]

There is no alpha-two-zero posting operation required.

Just a tube and some bubblewrap.

Bosh.

[andy43]

Cracks me up when the stonyfaced woman behind the Post Office counter asks me what's in the parcel.
Wheelbarrow, a hang glider, a see saw and the ebola virus don't even get a flicker.