"I bought these online (from lego.com) for my nephews to play with, they arrived in excellent condition. My nephews love them! They have fortunately not fallen apart as the other reveiwer has stated, but i guess if you buy from a shop as apose to online you take the risk of people playing with or throwing the the item about, rather than it being sent from a warehouse (in pristine condition where no one has touched it, unless its the person packing the order) We love these they are made from foam with a hard sturdy plastic which has a rustic but bright sheild print on it. I would Highly recommend. I feel for the other buyer having a bad experience. They are made to be hit with a foam sword (not a real sword) :)"