A riff on "collectors"

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  • Johnk

    Marksman
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    12   1   0
    Feb 19, 2015
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    Mooresville
    A question to collectors

    In the last several years I have been collecting what I refer to as "Weapons of War". I have one each of the biggies, that is a Garand, Mauser, Luger, Enfield, etc. What is really beginning to bug me lately is the difficulty in my quest for a Colt model 1909/M1917 revolver. Sure, there are some out there but the examples I have been offered are either in really bad shape, painted, or just too darn expensive. I'm not looking for a trophy, just a clean battle worn example that I can shoot. Is that too much to ask?
    What gets my ire up is when a person has one for sale and in our discussion mentions to me that he has 8-10-12 of these fine old revolvers in his "collection". Why do you want so many? It seems to me that you are depriving others like me of the opportunity to own one of these fine relics. How many do you need?
    I know I'm probably whizzing into the wind about this. Please don't judge and I'd like to know how others feel. Does anybody agree with me? I'm just attempting to start an honest discussion on this and maybe, just maybe, appeal to those which have so many to assist those of us with honest desires.
     
    Last edited:

    phylodog

    Grandmaster
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    59   0   0
    Mar 7, 2008
    18,746
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    Arcadia
    Many, if not most things worth collecting aren’t easy to come by which further drives demand and value. If I am interested in collecting something I’m not likely to pass up a decent example or a good deal simply because I have one or several already. I’ve been frustrated in my search for a few things over the years but I don’t find fault with the people who already have what I want, it’s just the way it is.
     

    Leadeye

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    4   0   0
    Jan 19, 2009
    36,688
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    .
    In the last several years I have been collecting what I refer to as "Weapons of War". I have one each of the biggies, that is a Garand, Mauser, Luger, Enfield, etc. What is really beginning to bug me lately is the difficulty in my quest for a Colt model 1909/M1917 revolver. Sure, there are some out there but the examples I have been offered are either in really bad shape, painted, or just too darn expensive. I'm not looking for a trophy, just a clean battle worn example that I can shoot. Is that too much to ask?
    What gets my ire up is when a person has one for sale and in our discussion mentions to me that he has 8-10-12 of these fine old revolvers in his "collection". Why do you need so many? It seems to me that you are depriving others like me of the opportunity to own one of these fine relics. How many do you need?
    I know I'm probably whizzing into the wind about this. Please don't judge and I'd like to know how others feel. Does anybody agree with me? I'm just attempting to start an honest discussion on this and maybe, just maybe, appeal to those which have so many to assist those of us with honest desires.

    Are you looking for the Colt or S&W version?
     

    walt o

    Expert
    Rating - 100%
    5   0   0
    Feb 10, 2008
    1,097
    63
    Hammond
    So you would like to limit the number of the same model of guns that a person can collect? Like limiting the number of rounds you can have in a magazine .Part of collecting is the HUNT for what you want and spending or saving to buy it Take into the account that the same model of firearm may have many variations , units that were issued the fire arm ,or history connected to the weapon .
    Usually a beginning collector starts with a lesser grade and trades up to the top quality piece.It has taken me 6 years to find and buy certain pieces and i cherish them more
     

    JettaKnight

    Я з Україною
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    6   0   0
    Oct 13, 2010
    26,517
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    Fort Wayne
    In the last several years I have been collecting what I refer to as "Weapons of War". I have one each of the biggies, that is a Garand, Mauser, Luger, Enfield, etc. What is really beginning to bug me lately is the difficulty in my quest for a Colt model 1909/M1917 revolver. Sure, there are some out there but the examples I have been offered are either in really bad shape, painted, or just too darn expensive. I'm not looking for a trophy, just a clean battle worn example that I can shoot. Is that too much to ask?
    What gets my ire up is when a person has one for sale and in our discussion mentions to me that he has 8-10-12 of these fine old revolvers in his "collection". Why do you need so many? It seems to me that you are depriving others like me of the opportunity to own one of these fine relics. How many do you need?
    I know I'm probably whizzing into the wind about this. Please don't judge and I'd like to know how others feel. Does anybody agree with me? I'm just attempting to start an honest discussion on this and maybe, just maybe, appeal to those which have so many to assist those of us with honest desires.

    Why do you (or anyone) need any?

    Since when did needs take part in collecting?



    Bernie, is that you?





    Wait till the OP finds out about MillerTime! :faint:
     

    WebSnyper

    Maximum Effort
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    56   0   0
    Jul 3, 2010
    15,417
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    127.0.0.1
    Yeah, you are not going to get a good reaction to the original post here, I don't think.

    I'm guessing you don't mean it that way, but at first read it hints at entitlement, socialism, etc.
     
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    rob63

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    20   0   0
    May 9, 2013
    4,282
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    In the last several years I have been collecting what I refer to as "Weapons of War". I have one each of the biggies, that is a Garand, Mauser, Luger, Enfield, etc. What is really beginning to bug me lately is the difficulty in my quest for a Colt model 1909/M1917 revolver. Sure, there are some out there but the examples I have been offered are either in really bad shape, painted, or just too darn expensive. I'm not looking for a trophy, just a clean battle worn example that I can shoot. Is that too much to ask?
    What gets my ire up is when a person has one for sale and in our discussion mentions to me that he has 8-10-12 of these fine old revolvers in his "collection". Why do you need so many? It seems to me that you are depriving others like me of the opportunity to own one of these fine relics. How many do you need?
    I know I'm probably whizzing into the wind about this. Please don't judge and I'd like to know how others feel. Does anybody agree with me? I'm just attempting to start an honest discussion on this and maybe, just maybe, appeal to those which have so many to assist those of us with honest desires.

    I completely understand where you are coming from. I am like you and prefer to collect one of everything, don't own two of anything. I have also been frustrated at times by people who seem to want to own every example of something to the point that they become scarce.

    The thing you have to realize is that they are simply collecting from a different angle, not being hoarders. Every gun ever made naturally has a number of slight variations during the production run. Some people simply become enamored with those variations and like to obtain examples of all of them.

    I don't understand it, but I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I have even had people tell me that that is what collecting actually is, that the way I do it is simply accumulating. People can get on their high-horse about pretty much anything.

    The bottom line is just collect what you enjoy, accept the fact that some things are going to be harder to find and more expensive, and that a large part of the fun is in the hunt anyway.

    FWIW, I have been collecting military weapons for over 30 years with a particular interest in the First World War and have never managed to own either a Colt or S&W Model 1917 revolver. I see them all the time, I have just never been willing to part with the funds necessary to join that particular club.

    My holy grail is a Belgium Model 1889 rifle, try finding one of those at a reasonable price, they don't exist! I saw one last weekend at the Militaria Show-of-Shows and I'm pretty sure it was the first time I have ever even seen one on a table for sale. Unfortunately, I didn't have the money for it. That's the way it goes.
     

    M67

    Grandmaster
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    23   0   0
    Jan 15, 2011
    6,181
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    Southernish Indiana
    What gets my ire up is when a person has one for sale and in our discussion mentions to me that he has 8-10-12 of these fine old revolvers in his "collection". Why do you want so many? It seems to me that you are depriving others like me of the opportunity to own one of these fine relics. How many do you need?

    Cause I/they/you can?



    Hell most people never get to see a Webley Fosbery in person, fewer get to handle them..... I know a guy who has 3 of them

    It's not about depriving someone of owning a firearm, it's about collection to build to your personal collection. If you're into guns long enough you do sometimes luck out into stuff or you just randomly accrue and amass things.

    If there was a gun I was dying to have, and I knew someone who owned a ton of them, I wouldn't be upset if he didn't budge off of one. His time, his money, his hunt and I'd keep on going on my own personal hunt I wouldn't expect him to give one of his pieces up to me if he didn't want to sell it.
     

    Mongo59

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    12   0   0
    Jul 30, 2018
    4,448
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    Purgatory
    I completely understand where you are coming from. I am like you and prefer to collect one of everything, don't own two of anything. I have also been frustrated at times by people who seem to want to own every example of something to the point that they become scarce.

    The thing you have to realize is that they are simply collecting from a different angle, not being hoarders. Every gun ever made naturally has a number of slight variations during the production run. Some people simply become enamored with those variations and like to obtain examples of all of them.

    I don't understand it, but I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I have even had people tell me that that is what collecting actually is, that the way I do it is simply accumulating. People can get on their high-horse about pretty much anything.

    The bottom line is just collect what you enjoy, accept the fact that some things are going to be harder to find and more expensive, and that a large part of the fun is in the hunt anyway.

    FWIW, I have been collecting military weapons for over 30 years with a particular interest in the First World War and have never managed to own either a Colt or S&W Model 1917 revolver. I see them all the time, I have just never been willing to part with the funds necessary to join that particular club.

    My holy grail is a Belgium Model 1889 rifle, try finding one of those at a reasonable price, they don't exist! I saw one last weekend at the Militaria Show-of-Shows and I'm pretty sure it was the first time I have ever even seen one on a table for sale. Unfortunately, I didn't have the money for it. That's the way it goes.

    Is that Belgian 1889 the bolt action, tube magazine fed rifle?
     

    Mongo59

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    12   0   0
    Jul 30, 2018
    4,448
    113
    Purgatory
    I have been told that I am no longer a collector, but an accumulator.

    I haven't bought any that were not for sale but I have sold many I wish I hadn't.

    There are many ways to come across "good buys" but they all take time which is to rich a commodity to most, so they have to wrench it away from another with "grip".

    The ones I get are the neglected, abused and "tool" quality guns and bring them back from the edge of the abyss.

    I was just telling DoggyDaddy the other day, "you would be surprised how many people will actually give you guns when they learn that you work on them and recondition them."

    It also expands the horizon when you could accept what is offered in various conditions because they can be made better, not to try and take someone in a sale or trade, but to make it useful and better working.

    If you don't have the green, get the skills. If you don't have time, skills or green then pray for a rich uncle that has an extensive collection to will you.

    Heck, if I still had one I'd give you a good deal on one but you caught me between lusts...
     

    indykid

    Grandmaster
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    4   0   0
    Jan 27, 2008
    11,859
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    Westfield
    While I fully understand where you are coming from, most of the democrat presidential wannabes are saying the same thing about money. How much money do you need, one million, one billion? Same thing with our collectibles. In a free society there is no such thing as need with collections, whether collecting money or firearms. There is only want.
     
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