Mel Torme--Luger Collector?

Dwight Gruber · 01-04-2003, 11:37 PM

I've seen the odd mention that the late, great Silver Throat, Mel Torme, was a Luger collector. Does anyone here know the story, or what his collection might have been like?

--Dwight

Ron Wood · 01-05-2003, 12:07 AM

Mel Torme collected Colt Single Actions and Lugers (and probably a few other things as well). He had the money and bought expensive variations and engraved examples. The 1902 Cartridge Counter from his collection has changed hands a couple of times since his demise.
Mr. Torme was suspected, rightly or wrongly, of "enhancing" some of his scarcer examples, which would get you unceremoniously "un-invited" from his presence should you have the affrontry to suggest it. He is not around to defend himself so let us remember him as an advanced collector. I have no first hand knowledge of any of his Luger collection, and I respect the fact that it was an accumulation of very scarce and desirable examples.

Thor · 01-05-2003, 12:17 AM

I remember him being referred to as the "Velvet Fog" Velvet Fog Links
I do remember a really stunning Luger Carbine that Ralph bought from his estate. It was in a glass front presentation box that was illuminated! Really classy!

01-04-2003, 11:37 PM	#1
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,908 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,330 Times in 435 Posts	Mel Torme--Luger Collector? I've seen the odd mention that the late, great Silver Throat, Mel Torme, was a Luger collector. Does anyone here know the story, or what his collection might have been like? --Dwight

01-05-2003, 12:07 AM	#2
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 7,040 Thanks: 1,106 Thanked 5,257 Times in 1,724 Posts	Mel Torme collected Colt Single Actions and Lugers (and probably a few other things as well). He had the money and bought expensive variations and engraved examples. The 1902 Cartridge Counter from his collection has changed hands a couple of times since his demise. Mr. Torme was suspected, rightly or wrongly, of "enhancing" some of his scarcer examples, which would get you unceremoniously "un-invited" from his presence should you have the affrontry to suggest it. He is not around to defend himself so let us remember him as an advanced collector. I have no first hand knowledge of any of his Luger collection, and I respect the fact that it was an accumulation of very scarce and desirable examples. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

01-05-2003, 12:17 AM	#3
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	I remember him being referred to as the "Velvet Fog" Velvet Fog Links I do remember a really stunning Luger Carbine that Ralph bought from his estate. It was in a glass front presentation box that was illuminated! Really classy! __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."