MattS Posted November 29, 2018 Share #1 Posted November 29, 2018 I've noticed some collectors specialize so much on one very specific subsection (one item used in one conflict for instance) of US militaria and they don't know much about any others. I have always been of the opinion that I'd rather know a little bit about a lot of things. To only focus on the M-12 combat mess kit issued to the 18th Recon Rangers only on D-Day seems like you'd be missing out on the bigger picture and context of what else was happening historically. [Yes, I made up a fictional example as to not offend anyone] I guess it comes down to the individual's preference and interests though. Thoughts? Opinions? Just me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P-59A Posted November 29, 2018 Share #2 Posted November 29, 2018 I agree with you in spirit, but as I have learned over the years...I do not have enough room or money to collect everything! A broad base of knowledge is great for picking at the swapmeet, BUT, specific knowledge about mmm German medals will tell you a fake from the real deal or if a helmet is a ligit one or put together or outright fake. The collecting world needs both types of people. I post allot of crap hear because I have no idea about what I am looking at and I know people who know way more than me will chime in with detailed knowledge. I learn from them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Z Posted November 29, 2018 Share #3 Posted November 29, 2018 I chose to collect for one branch of the Army rather than everything green. I agree with you that a broad knowledge is helpful in not getting burned should your interest area expand. I'm no expert on patches but I collect specifically QM patches (example). I suppose it just depends on the individual collector on what they want to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
917601 Posted November 29, 2018 Share #4 Posted November 29, 2018 To each his own, after all collecting is a satisfaction and interest question. In the end, as stated previously, do you have enough money and interest to collect everything that catches your fancy? No, most do not. Best to specialize, way to many items out there and a jack of all gets frequently burned with repros and fakes...the " master" of one who can differentiate usually profits when collections and interests change over the years. I have been in/out of artillery/ antique cannons, military vehicles, and firearms. Currently, I soak up all the info I can about Ordnance knowing when my interest changes ( and it will) my time spent will bring some sort of fruitful gain. Who can ask for more? That said, I frequently haul this stuff out to CAF, Legion, and Vet Day events and have a blast talking with the tankers and red legs who recall firing this stuff off. I encourage all to go out of your way and put on exhibit your collections, it serves no one but yourself sitting in your closet or war room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted November 29, 2018 Author Share #5 Posted November 29, 2018 Lots of good points! I should clarify, I don't advocate collecting everything under the sun, just having a broad base that expands beyond your specific interest. I see guys who can tell you every detail, production dates, and all the makers of the M-12 combat mess kit but can't tell a M1 Garand from a M1 Carbine. And yes, I agree the hobby needs both types of collectors with general and specific knowledge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted November 29, 2018 Share #6 Posted November 29, 2018 One thing I have found very valuable is having a good understanding of Military History in general. Understanding the historical context of items is just as important as know what color of green a canteen should be. Read lots of books even if its just a general history of WWII, Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted November 29, 2018 Author Share #7 Posted November 29, 2018 One thing I have found very valuable is having a good understanding of Military History in general. Understanding the historical context of items is just as important as know what color of green a canteen should be. Read lots of books even if its just a general history of WWII, Kurt Excellent point! Being able to connect context to the items is very important. A canteen is pretty mundane, a canteen carried by a Bataan Death March survivor through 3 years of captivity is an amazing artifact if you understand what the soldier and his canteen went through in that place and time. Thank you for that point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted November 29, 2018 Share #8 Posted November 29, 2018 Excellent point! Being able to connect context to the items is very important. A canteen is pretty mundane, a canteen carried by a Bataan Death March survivor through 3 years of captivity is an amazing artifact if you understand what the soldier and his canteen went through in that place and time. Thank you for that point. Exactly! I also happen to own a few etched canteens to Bataan and Corregidor POWs myself . Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted November 30, 2018 Share #9 Posted November 30, 2018 My specific interest is groupings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikie Posted November 30, 2018 Share #10 Posted November 30, 2018 I've have known people who collect just about everything you can think of. As an old friend used to say, "Whatever floats your boat"! I am grateful we have both types of collector on this forum, so many happily share their knowledge with us. Personally, the only thing I know a lot about is how little I know about a lot. Mikie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikie Posted November 30, 2018 Share #11 Posted November 30, 2018 One thing I have found very valuable is having a good understanding of Military History in general. Understanding the historical context of items is just as important as know what color of green a canteen should be. Read lots of books even if its just a general history of WWII, Kurt Yep, you got it. I'm actually a history buff who likes to have relics of the things I read about rather than a dedicated collector. But besides leaders and battles and soldiers, I have learned from folks around here that your canteen in general has it's own history. How it was designed, and by who. The designs it replaced and why, and what replaced it and why. Who manufactured it and how. All of which is often remarkably fascinating. Mikie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cutiger83 Posted November 30, 2018 Share #12 Posted November 30, 2018 One thing I have found very valuable is having a good understanding of Military History in general. Understanding the historical context of items is just as important as know what color of green a canteen should be. Read lots of books even if its just a general history of WWII, Kurt Kurt, I totally agree! I love to read first person accounts rather than the logistics of how many troops were in what battle. You can really learn lot by reading. My main focus is women in history but I have read first person accounts from men and women in all branches and also from other countries. I believe you have to look at history from all sides. ...Kat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wharfmaster Posted November 30, 2018 Share #13 Posted November 30, 2018 If it's not named, it's just war surplus. PUT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted November 30, 2018 Author Share #14 Posted November 30, 2018 If it's not named, it's just war surplus. And there are collectors who only wanted ID'd named items. Not really what I was getting at though. I'm talking about being able to look at any uniform (named or not) and at least have a general idea of the time frame and branch (i.e. WW2 US Army soldier who served in Europe judging by the ribbons) even if you don't collect them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USARV72 Posted November 30, 2018 Share #15 Posted November 30, 2018 Guess I have a lot of war surplus???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USARV72 Posted November 30, 2018 Share #16 Posted November 30, 2018 more war surplus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dskjl Posted November 30, 2018 Share #17 Posted November 30, 2018 I plead the 5th Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dskjl Posted November 30, 2018 Share #18 Posted November 30, 2018 I started off with the " its green I will buy it" strategy until I went broke. Then I narrowed my collecting interests until I was deep in credit card debt. Now I have a very narrow collecting interest (only the good stuff) and have a second mortgage. I know a little about a lot with the exception of how to buy to much stuff, in this I feel confident, I am now a subject matter expert at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted November 30, 2018 Author Share #19 Posted November 30, 2018 That's become more and more common in the last few decades, online militaria sites + credit cards leading to deep debt. You're not alone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted November 30, 2018 Share #20 Posted November 30, 2018 In my line of work, I learned the tern "professional curiosity". Loosely defined it's the idea that you should be interested in learning about different aspects of your profession/job even if it's not required of you. In turn, this makes a much more well-rounded and knowledgable person and a more solid member of the team. In the same way, I personally think that learning about other aspects of the hobby is important, even though they don't particularly interest me. I've forced myself to read up on helmets (for example), field gear, other nations' militaria, etc., to learn more about areas of collecting that interest others in our hobby. Am I "competent" in those areas? Not really...but I know enough to at least have a pretty good idea of what I'm looking at. This has actually come in handy several times over the last couple of years as I've had the opportunity to purchase items that were not ones I collect...but because I spent some time learning about the subject, I was able to acquire the items offered and then help them find new homes (with the subsequent profit enhancing my own collection...) At the same time, not everyone is like me (for darn sure...no need to have two of me...LOL) so if someone's not interested in learning about other aspects, that's totally up to them and totally fine by me. This is a hobby that's meant to be enjoyable and fulfilling, and as such, should be tailored to the interests of each collector and what they're willing to do or not do to invest in their participation in the hobby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted November 30, 2018 Author Share #21 Posted November 30, 2018 Well said, Dave. The potential financial gain to be had by being somewhat knowledgeable on different topics within militaria is a very valid point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted November 30, 2018 Share #22 Posted November 30, 2018 From an early age on my newspaper route I was buying things that I had no interest in and sold them to raise money for militaria. Watches, jewelry, china, glass, old toys and blah blah blah. After many years, I might not know anything about some item but, I get a feel for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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