It does sound like you were targeted. A slick con-job with a "cripple" used as a front..perhaps.
As Gailen said we have seen this before. Collectors have always been targeted by the swindlers be it Art, Antiques or anything of value.
I have seen the "For Sale" section. Most of the fine daggers you have bought recently and shown on this forum. I may be wrong but it appears that you may have lost money also on the sale in the haste of getting it all behind you. I did that exact same thing back in the 1970's.
Hope you get some satisfaction from the legal system. At least make them hire a lawyer!
