Hi Rick,
The position of the U.K. Government is o.k. as there is no problem in buying/collecting antique weapons it's the inability or unwillingness of E-Bay U.K. to positively discriminate as to what is acceptable and what is not. I don't suppose with the volume they, E-Bay, deal with that the solution is necessarily that easy but even an antique weapons section would not be too difficult to moderate or police effectively. I think these days that the actions of antisocial minorities impinge more on the law abiding majority than ever before and of course this problem is down to the Politicians and Law Makers/Enforcers i.e. as you say, the Government. Enough moaning I think, there are plenty of local auctions etc. here so there are still sources for reasonably priced pieces to to satisfy the "thirst" !!!
My Regards,
Norman.
