medieval sword on ebay

Lee · 27th March 2005, 06:02 PM

I suspect the ebay market found a correct price for this item as it does appear to have potential as an attractive decorator. I also suspect that 19th century may be a bit early for date of manufacture.

These days I see medieval style swords of which I am very suspicious in even the most prestigious venues. My advice: If you ever decide to punt on a medieval style sword for large money, then you should see the thing up close and in person beforehand and or have paid the extra premium for examination by a capable and experienced agent responsible only to you in the matter.

erlikhan · 28th March 2005, 06:36 PM

I am not an expert about European swords at all, but as far as my eye experience and insticts about iron material say I am suspicious about its being several centuries old. I dont think it should be very important if 19th century or later. Iron and steel can easily be made corroded and look older. Some moist is enough for that. Bronze can not so easily. Its green patina prevents the material beneath from destructive corrosion. Thats why good conditioned bronze age swords are found much more than later Iron swords. This sword could has been protected very well till now for centuries by many and many owners?? Perhaps yes but why?? And even if so, still the material should look overall more tired , and its sharp lined edges and corners should get erroded .Seems too much intact, and most important, a simple, undecorated structure to have been kept ,taken care of and protected so fresh, good for centuries. It can have value now, but such a simple sword should not be worth of keeping so careful for all centuries since its production.
I would prefer to be cautious and suspicious about iron or steel swords if offered as several centuries old, especially if they are simple, dont have characteristic periodical chiselling ,inlay, gold, silver work, any kind of art expensive and difficult to imitate, and making it valuable enough for all ages, to be kept carefully.
But still, if it's just 400 dollars, it is nothing to loose anyway. You can loose 100 dollars perhaps (you could easily resell it on ebay for lets say 300), but you can earn 5000,7000 or whatever. The chance is uncomparably higher than chance of 100 dollars lottery ticket

27th March 2005, 06:02 PM	#1
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 937	Sword with potential as an attractive decorator I suspect the ebay market found a correct price for this item as it does appear to have potential as an attractive decorator. I also suspect that 19th century may be a bit early for date of manufacture. These days I see medieval style swords of which I am very suspicious in even the most prestigious venues. My advice: If you ever decide to punt on a medieval style sword for large money, then you should see the thing up close and in person beforehand and or have paid the extra premium for examination by a capable and experienced agent responsible only to you in the matter.

28th March 2005, 06:36 PM	#2
erlikhan Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Istanbul Posts: 452	I am not an expert about European swords at all, but as far as my eye experience and insticts about iron material say I am suspicious about its being several centuries old. I dont think it should be very important if 19th century or later. Iron and steel can easily be made corroded and look older. Some moist is enough for that. Bronze can not so easily. Its green patina prevents the material beneath from destructive corrosion. Thats why good conditioned bronze age swords are found much more than later Iron swords. This sword could has been protected very well till now for centuries by many and many owners?? Perhaps yes but why?? And even if so, still the material should look overall more tired , and its sharp lined edges and corners should get erroded .Seems too much intact, and most important, a simple, undecorated structure to have been kept ,taken care of and protected so fresh, good for centuries. It can have value now, but such a simple sword should not be worth of keeping so careful for all centuries since its production. I would prefer to be cautious and suspicious about iron or steel swords if offered as several centuries old, especially if they are simple, dont have characteristic periodical chiselling ,inlay, gold, silver work, any kind of art expensive and difficult to imitate, and making it valuable enough for all ages, to be kept carefully. But still, if it's just 400 dollars, it is nothing to loose anyway. You can loose 100 dollars perhaps (you could easily resell it on ebay for lets say 300), but you can earn 5000,7000 or whatever. The chance is uncomparably higher than chance of 100 dollars lottery ticket