The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Virginian squares off against Poland over rare rifle

**Mike Irwin** · July 8, 2013, 07:21 AM

I never mentioned the concept of it being a war prize because Poland has very neatly, and legally, skirted that concept by claiming that the gun is of cultural signifigance to the nation of Poland.

By doing so they trump the Hague Treaty and put it firmly into the category of art and antiquities.

This very subject has come up before regarding medieval weapons and armor that were looted during World War II.

Sure, they're weapons and armor, created by the state for use in warfare. But, they were claimed, and the claims were upheld, under the concept that they had significant historical and cultural value to the requesting nation.

July 8, 2013, 07:21 AM	#52
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	I never mentioned the concept of it being a war prize because Poland has very neatly, and legally, skirted that concept by claiming that the gun is of cultural signifigance to the nation of Poland. By doing so they trump the Hague Treaty and put it firmly into the category of art and antiquities. This very subject has come up before regarding medieval weapons and armor that were looted during World War II. Sure, they're weapons and armor, created by the state for use in warfare. But, they were claimed, and the claims were upheld, under the concept that they had significant historical and cultural value to the requesting nation. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.