Advice for a serious new collector?

I really like the advice given here. All of us at one point or another fit into one of these scenarios, as there are different grades of collectors, just as there are different grades of milsurps. Smellie, as usuall, gives incredibly sound advice based on what is obviously years of collecting experience.
I started out collecting (or searching for, anyway) exclusively the collectable k98 rifle, and that is all I focused on. In time, perhaps due to the limited numbers of 98s around, and my interest in all areas of WW2.
So I have collected what I would consider one matching collectable version of each main infantry longarm used by argueably the top major players of the greatest conflict in our history.
1) 1943 Longbranch-Commonwealth
2) M1 Garand-United States of America
3) K98- Germany
4) Type 99 Arisaka- Japan
5) Mosin Nagant 91/30- Soviet Union

I know there are other vital players involved here, but my list represents only what I see as major participants in WW2. Although France, Italy, Finland, amongst many others were major participants, they do not meet my main collector interest criteria.

Don't be afraid to collect more than one example of each, and use it as a trader to aquire something you need. Also don't hesitate to start out with mismatched, refurbished or rearsenaled pieces until something more collectable will come your way.

Good luck, happy collecting! I am envious of you. I look forward to the day I can take my kids out to the range with a true piece of history (shouldn't be too long, my kids are groing like weeds ).
 
joe n said:
I really like the advice given here. All of us at one point or another fit into one of these scenarios, as there are different grades of collectors, just as there are different grades of milsurps. Smellie, as usuall, gives incredibly sound advice based on what is obviously years of collecting experience.
I started out collecting (or searching for, anyway) exclusively the collectable k98 rifle, and that is all I focused on. In time, perhaps due to the limited numbers of 98s around, and my interest in all areas of WW2.
So I have collected what I would consider one matching collectable version of each main infantry longarm used by argueably the top major players of the greatest conflict in our history.
1) 1943 Longbranch-Commonwealth
2) M1 Garand-United States of America
3) K98- Germany
4) Type 99 Arisaka- Japan
5) Mosin Nagant 91/30- Soviet Union

I know there are other vital players involved here, but my list represents only what I see as major participants in WW2. Although France, Italy, Finland, amongst many others were major participants, they do not meet my main collector interest criteria.

Don't be afraid to collect more than one example of each, and use it as a trader to aquire something you need. Also don't hesitate to start out with mismatched, refurbished or rearsenaled pieces until something more collectable will come your way.

Good luck, happy collecting! I am envious of you. I look forward to the day I can take my kids out to the range with a true piece of history (shouldn't be too long, my kids are groing like weeds ).
Click to expand...

Great advice, those 5 are right at the top of my list too - WWII holds the greatest historical interest for me. From there I'm intending to branch out to the rifles of the lesser players and non-combatants of the same period.
 
I agree with CDN303 - waiting for the perfect example is great, but the stop gap will keep you going until then. Or, at least, that's what I do.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom