Question: Bayonet sale to buyer in Great Britain

[gew8805]

I have a British Brunswick bayonet advertised in the WTB forum on another website here in the US and a potential buyer in Britain has expressed a desire to buy it. Are there any British laws in effect that will cause trouble for the buyer? Any hold ups that will delay or stop delivery? I do have another potential buyer here in the US that will take it if the gentleman in Britain can not receive it. TIA.

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[Aragorn243]

It says bayonets can be shipped. I'd read the fine print.

Offensive weapons: import controls - Detailed guidance - GOV.UK

This is the part that would give me pause:

"If you are caught with any of the above without a legitimate reason and are suspected of planning to use it violently, the weapon can be seized and the police will be alerted."

Who determines what the legitimate reason is? Collecting is obviously a legitimate reason for us but the customs inspector?

Probably why most people avoid shipping outside the US.

[Topfmine]

I bought a USMC bolo from New York on ebay and had no problem. If you declare it as a historic antique, which it is you should have no problems. I think France gets a bit arsey with Bayonets.

[peregrinvs]

Shouldn't be a problem - a bayonet is legal to possess in the UK. Whether you do something illegal with it when it gets here is a separate issue. I've never had a problem importing a bayonet from the US to the UK.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Midway USA would not ship a double edged bayonet (Swiss K-31) to my state. It should be a law that you cannot pass a law without doing away with at least four on the books.

[Peter Laidler]

The problem is getting one OUT of the UK in the post due to some ruling by............, well, whoever it was by remains unknown but it wasn't discussed in Parliament, HM Customs say that it's nothing to do with them and the Post Office say that they are national guidelines! But guidelines without any authority seemingly!!!!!!!!!

[gew8805]

I had originally said that it would only be sold here in the US, but the replies here have convinced me that I can accept his offer to purchase, there should be no problems as long as some one over there in the postal system is not having a bad day and feels quarrelsome so thanks to all for the information. Aragorn243, the link was very informative, thanks especially to you for that. I will be selling to Paul in England as soon as we work out the details.

[RT Ellis]

Shipped a Officer's Cavalry saber M1872 to UK without problem. Did experience problem with packer that didn't want to ship the saber, so I finished packing and shipped the saber myself. I think it importeant to state "antique" on customs declaration otherwise there may be customs fees applied if they think it is a new item.

[bigduke6]

Never had a problem with bayonets from USA to UK, just the extra charge for Vat and the handling charge, handleing charge is a joke considering you have already paid a small fortune for the postage.....

[Peter Laidler]

I quiestioned the handling charge right to the top of the Royal Mail tree Big Duke. They say that it only relates to importsd where duty and VAT is claimed/payable to HM Revenue/customs. This covers the PO costs and interest and a form of special delivery (?) as they have to PAY the customs and VAT to the Customs (Oh yea...... pull the other one I say...) ahead of you paying the Post Office.

Even if you refuse the package you have to pay - supposedly! Although if you refuse to pay, what can they do as it's alrteady been refused!

And even if you accept and then return the package/contents and claim the VAT and duty back, you STILL cannot claim the Post Office handling charge