Fellow collectors & friends,
Some people are taking my post/comment as an insult, belittling to others, a childish or immature attitude on my part, or improper conduct. You can interpret it any way you want, but there was no insult to Ron, who I respect and value as a friend. Everybody has the right/freedom to believe what they want no matter how strong or weak the presentation/case is. Surprisingly, some collectors cannot handle compelling information based on strong historical events or evidence because it goes against their philosophy and they may prefer to believe something else – no problem.
Ron, firstly, I did not address you in my post (i.e. Hello Ron…) and I did not direct the word ‘ignorant’ to you; however, you may still be a critic for whatever reasons, and there is no objection to your position. Secondly, the word ‘ignorant’ is not insulting, so I do not understand you ‘taking offense’, unless I have offended two very dear friends who I do not respect:
Definitions:
1. Lacking in knowledge or training; unlearned: an ignorant man;
2. Lacking knowledge or information as to a particular subject or fact: ignorant of quantum physics;
3. Uninformed; unaware;
4. Due to or showing lack of knowledge or training: an ignorant statement.
On the other hand, you may have a ‘vested interest’ in view of the fact that you own a very fine M1908 Bulgarian Infantry Officers Luger in your collection which gives you the concern that its value will be impacted based on the new information which I have presented on this subject. I do not think the value will decline after this new information or theory – in fact, it will probably go up in value now that it has some substance behind it instead of an ‘headline’ label.
Without being egotistical (I have nothing to gain by such an attitude), I suppose that many collectors do not notice what is going on in the back ground and, therefore, they make choices or take positions which are wrong. What you read, hear or believe from unreliable sources can be misleading and costly, and sadly some collectors will become innocent victims down the road. Who is there to help or educate them when large sums of money could be lost? Why not simply say “who the f*** cares” when they are suppose to be the next in line for the continuation of our hobby? I value and greatly appreciate what I have in my modest collection and whatever decisions I make in the future with regards to my collection, I would feel proud to pass on any item with confidence as well as my reputation behind it.
The past actions of some ‘big-heads’ have disgust me and who says a word about it? I suppose many collectors prefer to remain ‘hush-hush’ because the ‘expert’ or ‘authority’ who has spoken the holy word is seen in high regard due to size of his collection and/or wallet, and the ‘colorfulness’ of a web site. I assume that due to their important recognition, they are always excused from their wrong actions. I am not jealous of such collectors who have tried to condemn guns in other collections without any justifiable reason. What the hell did I do to deserve such an attack and I never received an apology? Well, until I receive an apology for their wrongful mistakes, I shall put them down whether it is in private or in public – and make no mistake that they went public with their attacks by putting it in writing. Excuse me, but that is a ‘no-no’ in my book! It makes me laugh when reference is made to such people who want to remain invisible. Maybe they consider we collectors on the forums are ‘nobodies’.
Allow me to explain how information can be shared between good and intelligent collectors in our society. When I had introduced the ‘Bulgarian theory’ on the two forums, I also sent the article to Charles Kenyon who originally called this Luger the ‘M1906 Russian Luger’ in his book ‘Lugers at Random’. After he listened to the new information, he took his extensive knowledge of Lugers and history and came to the same conclusion as I that it is much more Bulgarian instead of Russian. He accepts that his book has some out-dated information and he welcomes new views and opinions. However, on the forums, there seems to be heated debate and strong resistance for reasons which cannot be explained; maybe nobody wants to speak, or there is some form of defense going on.
Whatever the outcome, all I can say is ‘more power to everyone no matter what direction we go’.
Good luck and enjoy,
Albert
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