Hi
I am in the UK and am looking to start buying some daggers/swords but i am a bit worried about all the fakes that are around. Been checking out a few local fairs and i am just not confident i would be buying originals. Is there any well known trusted online shops out there? Lakesidetrader is the one i browse the most and i wonder do they have a good trusted name? any others?

thanks

Mark

Mark:

First of all, there is no one dealer who knows everything (even if some of them think they do ).

It always pays to do your own research and develop a network of friends who can help you. This forum is one that you can use to 'vet' those things you are not sure of. There are many very great and knowledgeable people here who will go out of their way to help others.

My experience with dealers leads me to the top 5 in my opinion. These are good guys with a lot of knowledge and who will guarantee their items for authenticity and offer full money back return policies.

JohnZ's top 5 are:

Lakesidetrader
Tom Wittman
Tom Johnson
Brian Maederer
Bob Iqbal

Keep one thing in mind with these guys, though, and that is that you will be paying a premium price for their knowledge, expertise and their guarantee. And, also note that there are many other great dealers out there who just didn't make my top 5.

John

Hi Mark

Where are you based in the UK,there are many dagger collectors over here who will be able to steer you in the right direction.

E-Mail me at

[email protected]

Gary

Hi Mark John has steered you in the right direction but if you want to deal in the uk then these are trusted sources

http://www.military-collectables.com/

http://www.simplydaggers.co.uk/

http://www.jcmilitaria.com/

Also buy some of the more popular books on the subject,you can't beat knowledge

seany:

I also like Stewart at http://www.theoldbrigade.co.uk/

John

Welcome Mark.

I also recommend Helmut Weitze. His website is outstanding. His shop is located in Hamburg. Their website and staff are multi-lingual. I have also had great service with the Tom's mentioned earlier. In the UK, The Old Brigade is another great source. All of these dealers have a lot of experience and offer guarantees of authenticity. Their experience and knowledge does come at additional cost but is well worth the peace of mind. Until such time as your own knowledge and confidence allows you to go at it on your own, I would recommend beginning with one of the high quality dealers suggested on this forum.

Cheers and welcome to this exciting hobby. Rick

thanks to all for the advice, i hope to make my first purchase from an above online store soon.

thanks again

Mark

Try Andrew Gates also good to deal with and is based in the UK