Quote:
Originally Posted by postino
Albert -
Actually, I was just over at your site looking at your collection of Interesting Firearms (including the cased Bolo w/stock that Alvin lusts after!  )...but except for a single picture of each, there is no description or story behind each example... 
Do you have anecdotes about each of these??? Like many here, I enjoy the stories (or history) behind an unusual pistol...  |
Hello Rich,
When I had created my web site, I did not see any reason to write a story for each item because most of the information could be found in reference books such as 'Lugers at Random'. When it comes to the more rare and expensive pistols, I just happened to notice that there was less interest in these pistols when the majority of the collectors on the forums are interested in pistols that they can afford such as military Lugers, C96 'Red Nines' and Walther PP/PPK pistols, all of which I appreciate and admire.
Some of my pistols have a very interesting background and I shall share this information if I receive a question. The web site LOB wants to 'brag' about his level of expertise and the importance of this collection, and he designed his web site around this goal. Of course, many collectors say 'Wow' when they view/visit LOB, but unfortunately, they do not know what is occurring under the 'surface' as well as not realizing that some of the rambling articles are flawed and make no sense with regards to actual historical events. One of the strategies of LOB is to apply his archive of literature to write his 'stories' and I can say with confidence that my archive is larger and more important than LOB. Furthermore, I have been able to interprete this vast amount of information better than LOB in conjunction with my fellow collectors in Europe instead of relying on a handful shady individuals.
Many collectors want to receive a continous 'rush of excitement' by discovering new information without being patient or getting involved in the quest for knowledge. They want everything served on a silverplater and that will not happen by sitting on one's rear-end, or going to gun shows to chat with beer-buddies.
You have no idea how much time I spend talking with collectors all around the world by telephone, VoIP or on forums, whereas LOB remains invisible. LOB has a 'colorful' web site, but the writer behind the web site does not impress me. In addition, dealers or collectors who endorse such people put a bad taste in my mouth because these are the people who spoil this great hobby of collecting.
Albert