Shipping Antique Bladed Weapons From Russia?

[DavidFriedman]

Does anyone know of any methods to ship antique bladed weapons from Russia?

I was speaking to a gentleman in Russia who had some antique Katars and swords, and he said it is forbidden to mail antique bladed weapons within and overseas, originating in Russia.

Any advice would be most greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Rick]

I wonder if this also applies to private carriers like DHL, Fedex etc?

[Ren Ren]

Hi David!
I'm afraid I have bad news. Since 2018, Russia has banned the transfer of any weapons by all postal services (including antiques).
In addition, it is very difficult to take any antiques out of Russia. Each item must have an expert opinion, officially certified by the Ministry of Culture, that the item is not of artistic or historical value. Otherwise, you may be charged with smuggling.
Sincerely
Serge

[DavidFriedman]

Wow! That’s pretty intense.
Any thoughts if items were picked up by flying in and taking back via airlines?

[gp]

Originally Posted by DavidFriedman

Wow! That’s pretty intense.
Any thoughts if items were picked up by flying in and taking back via airlines?

being a customs specialist, I would very seriously advise against it as it would be looked upon violating the law intentionally !
One would not do it with Cites material like ivory in any country either....
Or in Italy an antique miniature painting on a plane in your hand luggage or an ancient Greek or Abbassid coin in Turkey...
Even a 100 year qama or bichaq from the Balkans will get you in trouble in Serbia as well...
Has nothing to do with politics, or being harsh or pretty intense but is just the law.

Fedex, TNT, UPS, DHL wouldn't touch it if you don't have the correct docs.

And even in some countries one might meet "challenges" the other way around: I would not ship a Balkan bichaq from the Netherlands to the UK after the Brexit, Canada or the good ol' U S of A as an over eager customs officer might not be convinced the grip/handle is simply made from horn or a cow bone but think its ivory...and I can't disagree with the officer when there is doubt...!

And hence one is caught with one's knickers down... (which is not a pleasant sight you must agree ☺☺☺)


Comming back to Rossia, be it the Tsaristic times, the Soviet Union or present one, you do not want to mess with Batushka...

[Sajen]

It's the same with Indonesia, it's forbidden to ship any blades out from the country and no shipping organization will do it, sadly.

[Ren Ren]

Originally Posted by gp

Comming back to Rossia, be it the Tsaristic times, the Soviet Union or present one, you do not want to mess with Batushka...

You're right, it's better not to do that. Customs payments are the second most important source of revenue for the state budget of the Russian Federation (after taxes on the extraction of minerals)