Best collection ever

[Yank44]

I cannot name names or places, but I recently had the honor of viewing one of the most amazing private collections in the world. Dozens of wings and insignia from Central Powers and Allies, original huge sections of fabric with squadron markings, original United States Military Aviator solid gold wings, named pilots gear and uniforms up to wazoo, endless documentation, bombs, helmets, goggles, you name it. I was even allowed to handle some of it. I'm still wondering if it was all a dream...

There are others on here who have had the pleasure and know who I am talking about. I consider myself lucky to have shared such an experience. Now I know why people collect. I have a tiny collection that is completely meaningless, but this was like visiting a hands on museum that took multiple lifetimes to aquire. Surreal indeed. It was almost like overload. I probably had a glazed look by the end of the tour. LOL

I am glad collectors exist. They make available to normal people what most would never get to see outside of a glass case. Also, most museums have an overwhelming majority of their collections hidden from view in storage. Collectors allow more exposure to these wonderful pieces of history, as long as you are lucky enough to call them your friend! I consider myself blessed.: My wife, not so much. LOL Interested, just a little, at most. LOL
If the very generous person that allowed me to view this collection is reading, hats off to you!

[Laserlloyd]

Hi Yank:

I hope you had the opportunity to take some photographs.

A private collection viewed only by its owner is such a waste but a private collection viewed by admirers is such a blessing. One day I'm still hoping to see such a collection. The holy grail for me would be the silver cups of MvR.

I hope more people will have the opportunity that you have. I just can't stop thinking how great it would be to make my own collection but I will never have the means of doing so. I could go on and on about making my own museum with a state of the art research department for the preservation and education of this material.

Can you give any more detail of something you saw with out giving away your source.

Lloyd...

[Yank44]

I did not take photos because I didn't want to be rude. I was actually there to make a purchase and was completely surprised by what else was there. I never would have believed the extent of the collection had I not seen it with my own two eyes. All I can say is that this person is a dealer and if you are lucky enough to deal with this person, and this person finds you to be an honest individual with no agenda other than the enjoyment of aviation, you might be surprised as well. You never know who you are dealing with, so you should always treat everybody with respect.

It reminds me of a story that one of my other friends told me. He owns a militaria shop and has all different kinds of customers coming in. One day a gentleman stopped in and asked him about some medals and my friend told him that they were repros and the originals were in the other case. This man asked how one can tell the difference and so my buddy spent hours explaining the difference. A few weeks later my friend got a signed book on medals by J. Duncan Campbell and a thank you message written inside. It turns out that was who he was helping in his shop! Strangers can be anybody. Always remember that.

If it makes you feel any better, there wasn't any MVR material. I'm into US aviation, so I saw all that I could ever ask for. I can die happy now. LOL

[Kilian]

Well yes Yank...you make us interested and then....show us nothing. Thats not fair

[stephen]

Originally Posted by Yank44

I am glad collectors exist. They make available to normal people what most would never get to see outside of a glass case. Also, most museums have an overwhelming majority of their collections hidden from view in storage.

What he said.