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#1 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: What is still UK
Posts: 5,772
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As we enter the last month of the year I thought I might just offer a short review of the years collecting.
First a big thank you to Staff and moderators thier enthusiasm make this site possible. Thank you. Secondly I have acquired one or two nice things in the year but I have also made four terrible errors of judgement in the blind search for a bargain. If we are all honest, we like to think we know a thing or two about ethnographic weapons, enough to make a fool of our selves at times. I am happy to share these errors, two quite costly, if others are interested and might possibly own up to thier bad moments. The errors I have made are comically unforgivable and I should have known better. ![]() Last edited by Tim Simmons; 30th November 2005 at 06:40 PM. |
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#2 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: comfortably at home, USA
Posts: 432
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Tim -
Making errors is part of all collecting. Lordy knows I've made more than my share; mostly in what I didn't buy rather than what I did. Passed up a lovely naginata in Pennsylvania for $200 :-( Later passed on a group for tsuba (8 of them including two early ko-katchushi) for 1000. That's just the start of my screw ups. Also bought a bogus I*XL bowie in the 1970s - probably my biggest "buy" error. Like the man said, you live and learn or you don't live long :-) Like you said, I also would like to thank all the folks on the board, Lee and the staff especially. It's been an educational year on the board for me at least. Also been a banner year for me as I found (and went totally nuts on) Finnish puukko. A collection which is now totally out of control :-) Rich S |
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#3 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: What is still UK
Posts: 5,772
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This is the most recent error and the most expensive. What is so bad is that I have worked hard to learn about and get some very good African spears IMHO. This was an ebay gamble, need I say more. If the haft had not been recently vandalised it would have been a very nice Congo spear. I gambled and lost
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#4 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,284
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No 'stinkers' for me this year and one fabulous eBay score .
![]() Okay , I might have overpaid a bit on a couple but no regrets . ![]() I find I'm buying on eBay less and less . /not bragging ; just saying *Addendum , I've only purchased maybe 6 pieces this year . ![]() Last edited by Rick; 30th November 2005 at 08:03 PM. |
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#5 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: What is still UK
Posts: 5,772
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Please try not to laugh
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#6 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,209
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Tim,
do we all don't get overenthousiastic from time to time??? But the most embarissing is when we have to explain the Mrs. that our bargain turned out to be an expensive error ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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#7 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 190
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Gentlemen,
These are not losses, and are never mistakes unless we repeat them. Because you cannot buy the knowledge each of these pieces brought you about antiques... and human nature (ours , and others')... for any money. They're like scars really-- we endeavor to keep them covered if possible and flinch if a chum should twit us about them. Cheers to every Forum member who for better or worse, essayed a purchase this year. Ham Last edited by ham; 30th November 2005 at 10:07 PM. |
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#8 |
EAAF Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 7,189
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Well, I did get screwed for the second time in my collecting - a faux jambiya for decoration !
![]() Live and learn.. ![]() |
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#9 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: B.C. Canada
Posts: 473
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Well, I will show my best gamble of this year. I bought this Kilij on the gamble that the blade was wootz. With the magic of Philip Tom and Tom Kaczor it restored to the second set of photo's. No big mistakes this year but if you want to review the last five, whoo boy!!!
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#10 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Athens Greece
Posts: 479
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Jeff, I love it! I envy your luck!
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#11 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: What is still UK
Posts: 5,772
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Jeff, that is splendid, my best buy this year has to be the Solomon Island staff for the price of a fish and chips supper and a tin of fizzy drink. I cannot show the other two hilarious howlers
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#12 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: What is still UK
Posts: 5,772
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Look at these! Worrying about snipers is nothing you need to worry about your own mind, after all, you are all free to snipe but you are stuck with yourself
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#13 |
EAAF Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 7,189
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Jeff D, love the kilij. When I grow up I'll get one too..
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#14 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: B.C. Canada
Posts: 473
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Thanks everyone for the kind comments!
Yannis, I agree with Napoleon, it is better to be lucky than good. Jose, growing up is over rated, of course there are some benefits. Tim, stop beating your self up buddy, it took me many years to learn not to rush into a purchase. That once in a lifetime buy occurs more often than that. I like your attitude regarding the mistakes, you may as well laugh at them and learn. Now if only I could do that about my Nortel shares. All the Best Jeff |
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#15 |
(deceased)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 3,191
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Tim
For display they are not bad just get rid of the rings I like the one on the bottom ![]() ![]() Regards Lew |
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#16 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: What is still UK
Posts: 5,772
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The last one, I think it was in this year that I got it? Its a cracker!
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#17 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 5,503
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Something happened with the connection and I couldn't post! Panic in the street! Total house arrest! Where are my life, liberty and pursuit of happiness?
Luckily, it was resolved... In moments like that one understands how important and addictive this Forum is.... Well, my turn to show my latest acquisition. Bought it for a price of a mass-produced Tulwar. Not yet cleaned but totally original. |
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#18 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: What is still UK
Posts: 5,772
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Roll up!! roll up!!! post your best or worst 2005 buys here.
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#19 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,284
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Tim , I like your measurement scale for increments of value .
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#20 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: What is still UK
Posts: 5,772
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Thanks Rick
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#21 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Aussie Bush
Posts: 4,143
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Ariel:
Great old piece and not just "fakiry." ![]() ![]() ![]() I've been waiting for years to be able to say that. ![]() Ian. |
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