Persian shamshir destroyed by USPS!!!

estcrh · 19th July 2017, 10:29 PM

Another near disaster, this box contained a rather rare and valuable pistol and tabar. The box was split open and the end of the pistol barrel was sticking out, fortunately there did not seem to be any damage. The box was lined inside with additional cardboard and the items were bubble wrapped.

Philip · 19th July 2017, 11:28 PM

Just today UPS delivered 3 talwars sent by a customer for restoration. I set the box down on one end so I could sign the delivery receipt, and felt something heavy go "thunk" inside. Turns out that one tip protruded about an inch, enough to nick the hardwood floor of the vestibule

and it wasn't the first time it happened in transit because the point was already bent at an angle

Sender used a flimsy box, not enough padding to keep contents (banded together) from "sloshing" , and absolutely nothing to guard the exposed points on these swords!

I tend to discourage the use of UPS anyway, they tend to beat up parcels in general, almost as bad as the postal service, but neglected to advise sender in advance. One shipment, last year, was received with corner of box cut open and a couple of sword fittings purloined

rickystl · 21st July 2017, 08:18 PM

Here's another handy item to use in packing. Works well for many items.
Air Conditioning tubing insulation. It's very inexpensive and you can pick it up at any Home Depot or Lowe's. If I recall, it comes in about 4 different diameters. Saves a lot of extra packing wrap, etc. in many cases.
As an example: I wrap gun barrels with this insulation, tape the ends, and then slide it into a PVC tube. That way the gunsmith can simply return it to me in the same tube. Just change the shipping label.
I can see this assisting in packing some blades, crossguards, handles, etc.
Just an extra idea.

Rick

Neil · 22nd July 2017, 12:03 AM

So Sorry. For whatever it is worth you are clearly not alone. I have had numerous bent blades and broken tips over the years too.

I tape wooden shims over the ends of the bare blades I send and pack the surrounding areas firmly. Over seas packages go in strong tubes. I also write in fragile in large print on all sides of the packages.

Just my two cents.

estcrh · 23rd July 2017, 09:14 AM

I just received a full refund including shipping. The seller offered a partial refund if I decided to have the sword repaired but I decided not to risk it.

rickystl · 23rd July 2017, 05:16 PM

Well, glad you received a full refund in this sad situation. Probably the best outcome in this case. But I'm sure you will not forget about that shamsir for a while. Such a shame.

Rick

19th July 2017, 10:29 PM	#1
estcrh Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: USA Posts: 1,492	Another near disaster, this box contained a rather rare and valuable pistol and tabar. The box was split open and the end of the pistol barrel was sticking out, fortunately there did not seem to be any damage. The box was lined inside with additional cardboard and the items were bubble wrapped. Attached Images

19th July 2017, 11:28 PM	#2
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	ouch! ready for another horror story? Just today UPS delivered 3 talwars sent by a customer for restoration. I set the box down on one end so I could sign the delivery receipt, and felt something heavy go "thunk" inside. Turns out that one tip protruded about an inch, enough to nick the hardwood floor of the vestibule and it wasn't the first time it happened in transit because the point was already bent at an angle Sender used a flimsy box, not enough padding to keep contents (banded together) from "sloshing" , and absolutely nothing to guard the exposed points on these swords! I tend to discourage the use of UPS anyway, they tend to beat up parcels in general, almost as bad as the postal service, but neglected to advise sender in advance. One shipment, last year, was received with corner of box cut open and a couple of sword fittings purloined

21st July 2017, 08:18 PM	#3
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	Here's another handy item to use in packing. Works well for many items. Air Conditioning tubing insulation. It's very inexpensive and you can pick it up at any Home Depot or Lowe's. If I recall, it comes in about 4 different diameters. Saves a lot of extra packing wrap, etc. in many cases. As an example: I wrap gun barrels with this insulation, tape the ends, and then slide it into a PVC tube. That way the gunsmith can simply return it to me in the same tube. Just change the shipping label. I can see this assisting in packing some blades, crossguards, handles, etc. Just an extra idea. Rick Attached Images

22nd July 2017, 12:03 AM	#4
Neil Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 116	So Sorry. For whatever it is worth you are clearly not alone. I have had numerous bent blades and broken tips over the years too. I tape wooden shims over the ends of the bare blades I send and pack the surrounding areas firmly. Over seas packages go in strong tubes. I also write in fragile in large print on all sides of the packages. Just my two cents.

23rd July 2017, 09:14 AM	#5
estcrh Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: USA Posts: 1,492	I just received a full refund including shipping. The seller offered a partial refund if I decided to have the sword repaired but I decided not to risk it.

23rd July 2017, 05:16 PM	#6
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	Well, glad you received a full refund in this sad situation. Probably the best outcome in this case. But I'm sure you will not forget about that shamsir for a while. Such a shame. Rick