Hi Shaun!
I mostly hang out over in the Ethno-section but I just read your thread here and thought I'd tell you this. Sincerely hope you are still around to read it bro.
It happens all the time that people come on the forum, here and elsewhere, to present an item which then turns out to be something very different - an often less - than they expected. One of two things then usually happens:
1) They leave and never make a sound beyond the initial post - or -
2) They get really angry, start arguing and
then leave and never make another sound.
I just want to thank you for
not being like this! You seem like a smart and enthusiastic guy and it takes (internet-)guts to stand up and display your mistakes like this. I can surely understand that you are pissed about having been taken for a ride - I would be too - but I just want you to know, that even though the back-story of the sword turned out to be fake, the excitement you felt researching the sword during those 12 months is a very real and tangible thing! Holding these things in hand is a fantastic rush and a direct connection back to history! It's like a bug that makes most of us around here go crazy and depending on your specific area of interest, it's a thrill that can certainly be had for less than £400,-.
When you take a hit like you just have, one just have to roll with the punches and as you said yourself, learn the lesson and move on. Read as much as you possibly can on your area of focus and try to meet up with local people, if you have the opportunity.
These boards are also an incredible resource as well as a nice place to hang out and I sincerely hope you will stick around and soon post some new stuff.
With the very best wishes, - Thor