Letter from Mike Reese
 

For those of you who may not know who Michael Reese was or is, he was one of the first Luger collector to endeavor to uncover the mysteries of the American Eagle Luger test series. He lived in New Orleans Louisiana not very far from my home. Having developed an interest in Lugers, we meet on several occasions to discuss his studies and work into uncovering the mysteries of the test eagles. I visited his home on several occasions. The year was approximately 1968. I was only 14 years old at the time but my interest in Lugers had began to develop mostly by watching "COMBAT". I was too young to drive but I had a friend who was 17 and believe it or not my Father, who owned a Chevrolet dealership allowed us to drive to New Orleans. I am attaching copies one of the many letters I received from Mike. I just happen to find it tonight while going through some old paper work. I hope you enjoy.
Mike

Very cool, what a great mentor!

He had a column in Guns and Ammo in the 70's. I always looked forward to those each month, would ride my bike down to Skillerns Drug Store to get a copy.

Mike, that's a wonderful find in your archives!

It really reflects the spirit of Luger collectors, "always glad to help you"...

And now, we carry it forward...

Mike, I was nice to hear of your interaction with Mike Reese while in NO, then selling his pattened hot sauce. I knew him when he was living in the SF Bay area and working on his definative book "Model 1900 Luger (US test trials)" and purchased his remaining stock of those when he moved to NO. Also the G&A articles were put together in a single volume call "Luger Tips" which still contain some info not seen in later books. TH

Greetings and apologies as well. I guess writing at 3:00 AM has some dire results. Since I was born in 1945 I could not have been 14 years old in 1968. I think what happen was I was confused by another visit to Mike much earlier than the one mentioned above. He accompanied me to Royal Arms on Royal street in the French Quarter in New Orleans in search of a barrel bushing for a colt .32 auto which by the way they had one. I was actually 22 years old when the above mentioned visit to Mike occurred. Again my apologies,
Mike

No problem!
 

Hi Mike, I like fourteen better anyway! :) ... my brains didn't start forming up till after that anyway! Great story, I love the nostalgia and memories.... best to all, til...lat'r....GT:cheers:

Great Story and Great souvenir Mike... the age mistake is just a sign of the times for old timers like us... :D

I fondly remember watching the COMBAT! series with my brother and my Dad... Dad always pointing out the tactical mistakes made on the show... He also said the Germans were not as stupid as the show made it seem...

One of my all time favorite~~ https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...rds=luger+tips

Thank You! :D

Eric -

I just got my *new* copy of Michael Reese's Luger Tips (thanks to your post! :thumbup: ) and the first thing I noticed was your Luger carbine on the cover! :eek: I can tell it is yours because of the two rear sights - toggle and barrel!

This was originally printed in 1976. Michael Reese credits Ralph Shattuck with many of the pictures - Did you buy this carbine from Ralph right after the book was printed??? :)

I have no idea where Mike got his lugers on the cover! Do you know where I can purchase a new release! Eric

I found his book on Amazon under $20~ https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...&condition=all

Eric, I have a like new spare copy of "Luger Tip" @$35 + $5 S&H if interested. TH

I just noticed it might be mine! The 1920 used parts of the left over Imperial pieces to complete sellable commercial Weimer later parts and pieces! http://landofborchardt.com/lugerads.html

Mine *is* new - I got it from your post above mine!!! There were like 6 available...

Here's the Amazon listing (artisan_ideas was my choice) -

If you are a member, shipping is free! Debby is her favorite addiction!!

Pretty~http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/...us-lugers.html

Those are my guns on the S&W forum Eric. But I am not sure the link is appropriate for this discussion on Mike Reese.
Ron

Ron, You deserve only the finest~~~~Eric