Ebay-bought Swords - info needed.

[Vanguard3000]

I'd like to buy a sword from Ebay, and I know a few people here (Lord Johnsonius, anyway) have collections. I have a few questions:

-Is it "safe" to buy a sword from Ebay? Will I get good merchandise?

-What are swords made of in general (by todays standards)? The one I'm looking at has a pewter handle; I've emailed him asking what the rest is made of.

-Are there problems related to shipping these things? I live in Canada, so I'm worried about customs problems, despite the fact that the guy ships here.

-Here is what the one I want looks like. It's a 31" gladius:

Does this look any good? Let me know what you think. And hurry up, because I need to know within three days. :D Thanks in advance for any help.

[Terror]

aaha, a roman sword. it looks good

[thomas]

how much $$$ is it (in USD) websites like www.bladereplicas.com sell various swords cheap.

most swords are made of 440 steel, but they aren't for battle no no no.

[Vanguard3000]

It's $30-$40 USD. I'll check that site for something similar. Thanks.

[slaphapy]

yes, you couldn't have a battle with those swords, first of all they would probably break, second they aren't designed for it... they have no groove in them, which is so that if you stabed something it wouldn't be stuck from suction...I have a knife that is only for looks, it has an engraving on the blade, but it's not something you would use to hunt with or something.

[thomas]

heres a gladius it isn't as nice though :( http://bladereplicas.com/product.asp?3=204

and heres some roman stuff like armor, shields and various gladius' they have the one you're gonna buy for $99 :P

http://www.swordsandarmor.com/Html_web_store/html_web_store.cgi?page=roman-swords-armor.html&cart_id=5055400.9189

[exatreide]

just put scytal

[thomas]

Thanks, I forgot.

[Vanguard3000]

Thanks a lot, Scytale. Now I know what it's made of. I can't quite make out what the gold seal on the hilt is, though.

[number6]

Well for $30 - $40 I would not expect much in quality. Good blades are made from tempered steel and would not break from even the roughest of handling. For the amount of money you are willing to pay I would say it is a good deal. That's about what I would expect to pay at a Renaissance festival here in Maryland for a cheap period weapon. Hope you don't get outbid.

[thomas]

Thanks a lot, Scytale. Now I know what it's made of. I can't quite make out what the gold seal on the hilt is, though.

I think its an eagle, below the pic. it a link that says "enlarged area of hilt".

for battle ready swords go to www.armsofvalor.com

[Avrillian_Sard01]

Hmmm...come to think of it, I wonder if they sell Praetorian Guard armor and weaponry... ::) (Replicas at the very least or can be used...sort of... :P)