in defense of Mr. Shattuck...

Karl · 06-29-2002, 07:34 PM

My two cents:
I cannot claim to be an expert in Lugers, however, I know something about historical art and the art market (I have a Ph.D. in art history and archaeology, spent two years as research fellow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and worked for a few prominent art dealers in New York City). There are many significant works of art displayed in museums that are shrouded in controversy, with no clear proof that they are authentic. Everyone knows this and accepts it as part of the intellectual challenge of the field. Consequently, I have no problem with rare controversial Lugers, it makes the field more interesting and stimulates intelligent debate and research. There may never be irrefutable proof that this carbine is what it appears to be, but in my opinion, its very existence will generate interest that will further our knowledge of G. Luger's experiments with the .45 ACP cartridge.

A few other observations:
Dealers are not responsible for responding to idle chit-chat from amateurs who have no interest in purchasing their offerings.

Experts have the opportunity to express their scholarly opinions in recognized journals relating to the field.

Caveat emptor applies to the very rich as well as to the rest of us.

I hope that I have not stepped on any toes. I genuinely appreciate the fraternity of all forum members, whether or not I agree with their opinions. Respectfully, KFS

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06-29-2002, 07:34 PM	#8
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 530 Thanks: 0 Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts	My two cents: I cannot claim to be an expert in Lugers, however, I know something about historical art and the art market (I have a Ph.D. in art history and archaeology, spent two years as research fellow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and worked for a few prominent art dealers in New York City). There are many significant works of art displayed in museums that are shrouded in controversy, with no clear proof that they are authentic. Everyone knows this and accepts it as part of the intellectual challenge of the field. Consequently, I have no problem with rare controversial Lugers, it makes the field more interesting and stimulates intelligent debate and research. There may never be irrefutable proof that this carbine is what it appears to be, but in my opinion, its very existence will generate interest that will further our knowledge of G. Luger's experiments with the .45 ACP cartridge. A few other observations: Dealers are not responsible for responding to idle chit-chat from amateurs who have no interest in purchasing their offerings. Experts have the opportunity to express their scholarly opinions in recognized journals relating to the field. Caveat emptor applies to the very rich as well as to the rest of us. I hope that I have not stepped on any toes. I genuinely appreciate the fraternity of all forum members, whether or not I agree with their opinions. Respectfully, KFS