Turkoman, I am very grateful for your kind words, and attaching that article. It is very humbling quite honestly, and that my obsession has become useful in the broader scope of arms study is incredibly gratifying.
Im glad you like my stories, as you say, these personal experiences add a great deal of dimension to the weapons we study, and their history. I always think of my research projects as adventures into history, and the objective weapon as my guide. All of us have these tales, and exchanging them and enjoying them are part of the wonderful dynamics of these pursuits we share. Truly, they must be preserved along with the history that continues to collectively grow with these studies.
Nicely noted on Peter Dekker, a truly knowledgeable and remarkably gracious and helpful guy! He has helped me a great deal on the esoterica of Chinese arms.
Regarding the occurrence of 'less than authentic' arms appearing in what are supposed to be reputable auction and sale venues, it is an unfortunate situation which has long plagued the arms world.
Years ago I collected and studied British pattern cavalry swords along with the late Eljay Erickson, who was not only a brilliant scholar on them and their history, but adept at repairing and careful at moderate restoration. In later years he became skilled at making faithful reproductions of the early forms, and well renowned.
On one of the forums back then, a discussion of an 18th century British cavalry sword recently acquired came up, and an intense discussion went to just what regiment might have used it in the Revolutionary War. As the discourse carried on, describing many important nuances which might lead to these kinds of detail, suddenly Eljay came in..........
"..uh, this was a sword I made a number of years ago"
Imagine the chagrin!!
Eljay had become concerned at the prospects of just this happening, and always stamped his initials in his work. However, unscrupulous dealers carefully removed them, and presented these as authentic original examples.
This is the bane of arms historians, collectors and all who rely on authentic arms for study.
In my early days of collecting I realized that the most important weapon in my collection should be knowledge.......and my priority became acquiring books (in the days before computers, B.C.) . Still, I have many scars from the unfortunate acquisitions........and like the often costly books, I wrote off those 'deals' as TUITION in my self styled courses in arms study.
This is a wonderful and important topic, and while entries may remain limited, the thread is being read, so hopefully it will bring serious consideration.
Thank you very much Turkoman, for the very kind words, and above all for bringing attention to this important topic.
All the best
Jim
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