With French Gendarmerie................

**chesterpiglet** · 10-30-2016, 04:30 PM

Hi all. I am not writing this seeking sympathy...................I should have known better. I sold what I still believe to be display F1 Grenade fuse & handle mounted on a marble base & with the manufacturers logo either side. Basically a desk paperweight advertising the company which I think dated to the 1930's & had green felt on the base(I have attached photos). I am well aware of the perils of live ordnance not least sending it by post(& the penalties). I examined the whole of the central metal part & it is made from solid metal & has been turned-there is no join. The item was sold in May & there were 2 gendarmes on my doorstep this morning explaining it had shown up on the X-Ray detectors at CdeG Airport. It doesn't matter whether it was live or not-they think it was. Luckily I have the photos still as the listing is no longer accessible. I think I am in the sh*t.................any advice would be gratefully received.
Many thanks Rob

**rbminis** · 10-30-2016, 05:24 PM

by chesterpiglet

I think I am in the sh*t.................any advice would be gratefully received.
Many thanks Rob

Get a good lawyer?

Ralph.

**HARRY THE MOLE** · 10-30-2016, 05:40 PM

Maybe common sense will prevail in the end...

**chesterpiglet** · 10-30-2016, 05:47 PM

One would hope so................I will let you know tomorrow how I get on.

**HARRY THE MOLE** · 10-30-2016, 05:56 PM

I hope it all goes well for you. Maybe it will just be confiscation and a slap on the wrist!

**chesterpiglet** · 10-31-2016, 07:17 PM

Hi HtM Just got back from the Gendarmerie..............still free. It was principally red tape & there is a 95% chance of hearing nothing more. I could also get a telling off or a fine & there is still a chance of a maximum 5 years in jail so it is quite rightly serious stuff. It was destroyed in a controlled explosion & the Bomb Disposal thought it could have been dangerous but they weren't sure, well it was a dummy! Anyway all's well at the moment..............I will still have an anxious few months but it should be OK. I have learnt a lesson.....................I will never buy or sell anything like this again let alone post it. Thanks for the encouragement. Best regards Rob

**HARRY THE MOLE** · 10-31-2016, 09:39 PM

Hi Rob, I'm pleased to hear it turned out well for you. When it comes to ordnance, the authorities tend to err on the side of caution and treat everything as potentially dangerous - and who can blame them in the dangerous times that we now live?

Cheers,
Steve.