Help with Customs!

[cfaustus]

I am hoping someone here may be able to give me some advice. A few months ago I purchased a Mensuren schlager (Paukdegen) on Ebay. The gentleman from whom I purchased it, would not ship out of Germany. I therefore had him send it to my Uncle in Bremen. I call the post office and they told me that as long as the package is clearly marked I should have no problem receiving it shipped. Well, the German Post disagreed and said that I would probably never see it once it got to America because it would get confiscated at Customs.

My mother is going to Bremen this fall to visit my Uncle and offered to bring the sword back. Even though the blade is not much different from the practice blades we use, the guard is ornate and looks particularly menacing. Therefore, I am afraid it may raise some eyebrows in customs... I really don't want to get my Mom detained. Any suggestions you have would be great.

[CvilleFencer]

Keep in mind that the last time I flew I was working for the DOD and this was before 9/11. Keeping that in mind I never had a problem with real (as in sharp and pointy) large knives, swords, or even handguns and rifles as long as they were properly secured in my checked bags. I would not think she would have any problems as long as she kept her head. For example, when the customs agent asks if she has anything to declare she should not whip out the blade with a flourish and say "Just this weapon of vengeance you foul TSA worm!" As long as she just says a couple of bottles of Riesling and some sporting equipment and/or decorations/artwork she should have no problems.

[Inquartata]

Strange. People import swords from Europe all the time---real ones.

[Louweasel]

I think it may be helpful to speak to Customs direct. For example, here in the UK, HM Customs and Excise have a National Advice Line, which is a telephone number for any customs query. They also have a website with lots of advice and FAQs. Perhaps US Customs have something similar? You might as well get it from the horse's mouth!

[sabreur]

Here's the webpage: http://www.hauptzollamt.de/kontakt/index.html.

It lists phone numbers for a variety of offices.

MR

[grotto]

your best bet is to have it wrapped boxed and shipped. Saves mom the hassle and you the worry. you can declare it on the shipping as an ornamental swork e.g. antique wall hanging etc.

[canthidefromme]

Originally Posted by cfaustus

... I really don't want to get my Mom detained. Any suggestions you have would be great.

That would make for a good story at parties...

[cfaustus]

Thank you all... between your suggestions and several other inquiries I made, I think we have a solution to this...