Thank you for the information, which gives plenty of food for thought, fortunately I have detailed photos of the most valuable one, dating from 1937 in original time warp 99.5% condition, but there are others which are of greater sentimental value, but sadly not photographed. I would imagine that there will be an even level of new scuffs, dents and scratches, which will help prove its not historic damage. They were taken away in plastic evidence bags piled up on top of each other.
While I was at the station, I was informed that they were sending the firearms squad around to my house to collect my sporting guns. I asked how they were going to do that as all the keys were on my keyring in my pocket. I was informed that they were going to break down my front door, break open my gun room door, cut into my cabinet and remove my sporting guns and ammunition.
I politely reasoned with him and it only the fact that I had a policeman who was a decent human being prevented it. He phoned up the firearms squad in my presence, told them that I seemed quite normal and so we went and picked them up.
All that for a malicious allegation of assault, without a single mark or injury on the alleged victim. I was treated as if I was a dangerous criminal.