Partially insane for chasing a Paramarine?

[tdogchristy90]

I’ve been trying to sort through my collecting goals and my own place within the hobby after this most recent Show of Shows. Realizing I no longer want to nickel and dime my collection anymore and instead go after specific, quality pieces.

 

Recently a d-day paratrooper Purple Heart sold here on the forum. It got me thinking, if I was to spend that money, what for me would be worth spending that kind of money? My answer was an Iwo Jima paramarine purple heart. 

 

This brought another question. Would I be crazy to chase one? There are so few of them out there. In trying to make that next great leap in this hobby, am I making too big of a leap going from buying a Toyota to now wanting a Cadillac?

 

We all talk about being focused in the hobby. Have a goal or game plan in mind so you don’t go nuts “wanting it all”. The question is, am I too focused, or just nuts?

 

Cheers

[Kurt Barickman]

Been collecting since 1970 and I am very focused anymore in my collecting. Partially because I don’t want bulk because what would someone in my family do with a household of military items if I fall over dead and my collecting interests have narrowed to few and far things. If I find something good for my collection once a year I feel like it’s a good year in that aspect. My parents collected everything and when they died I was left to dispose of everything and it was a two generation household and I began to realize from how and what they collected that when everything is important then nothing is important? Paramarine Iwo groups are out there and I saw a fantastic, huge group two SOS ago🤔😉 so I would say go for the gusto and I don’t think you will be disappointed in the long run 🤷

 

Kurt

[Brian Dentino]

Have to agree fellas.  Since I started collecting 25 years ago (about) I have gotten much more selective with what I will bring home and add to the pile.  When I started, I wanted everything but soon realized I had a bunch of "stuff" with little to no meaning to me.  I have gotten much more selective in the last couple of years realizing a few hard facts:

1.  Space is limited, so don't buy a bunch of "so-so" unnamed uniforms just because I am attracted to OD green!

2.  The "so-so" items have not increased in value, and are just space gobblers.

3.  As time went on I realized the items that I added needed to be nice, higher end items that I WAS INTERESTED IN.

4.  Money didn't grow as my kids did, it actually shrank as they grew!  So I found it much more fulfilling to spend a sizable amount on one item than adding a bunch of $50-100 items.

5.  Focus has become my concern as well since the higher priced items take more time to save for, and thus seem to mean more to me than the "smalls".

 

I have decided to take a more focused approach to my collection as well, especially in the last couple of years.  Sure I still fall for a deal here and there, but main adds to the collection have dropped considerably in the last couple of years.  Also went through times where I had to pass along items when cash was short/needed.  Some I miss, some I do not.  The fact of the matter is, we all have a limited income to spend on our hobby, so select the top items on your want list and pass on other items that can be had at any time.  You will not be sorry if you really focus on something that has a great meaning to you vs. something that is "cool" and you think would be a decent add.

[KASTAUFFER]

I have an officially engraved Paramarine Purple Heart to a PFC wounded on Gavutu on August 7, 1942 in the Solomons.  Officially engraved PHs were issued to many of Marines WIA in the early campaigns.  They stopped doing it at the end of 1943. 

 

Kurt

[Kurt Barickman]

Thats a great early Canal Heart Kurt

 

Kurt

[Wharfmaster]

I prefer Purple Hearts to Marines that were not killed.

 

 

 

 

[tdogchristy90]

Thank you for the encouragement guys, especially coming from some of our “heavy hitters”. Any tips from you guys on how to go about “getting to that next level”? Or is it no different than buying the more common stuff, same research and hunting, just a matter more money and greater patience? 

[Kurt Barickman]

Save your money and start talking and networking with people on the area you are interested in.

 

Kurt

[Allan H.]

I wish to congratulate you on preparing to take your next step. I would tell you that with any journey, you need to know where you are going. Map it out. I have told every collector that I have ever given advice to that they need to BUY BOOKS. Of course in these modern days of the internet, people tend to think that they don't need to buy books anymore because they can find everything that they need "on line." I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have seen pieces posted on the USMF FB page that people have erred on both ways- thinking bad was good and good was bad. If you want to rely on the opinions of others, that's great, but I would want to trust the "tried and true" examples shown in those books. Sure, there are often bad items in with the good, but it is far more reliable than trusting screen shots and herd opinions. 

 

Become an expert on what you collect. If you decide you are collecting  Purple Hearts to Iwo Jima paramarines, then you need to know all about the Iwo Jima campaign, the Paramarine program and Purple Hearts. It isn't going to come to you overnight, but it will come over time. Network with other collectors and BE NICE to your colleagues. Most importantly, save your money for when that grail piece shows up. Some collectors just can't do that. They can't stand to let a "deal" go by, so they end up spending their money on "deals" that they cannot liquidate quickly. One BIG THING to remember if you are going to collect Big Boy items, the seller usually has plenty of potential buyers. They may be willing to work with you on a major purchase, but they may just as easily sell to a person with deep pockets who doesn't have to string payments out over weeks or months, and they don't have to discount their items to sell them. Having a reputation for having the money to spend is every bit as important as a reputation for knowing and buying high quality items.

 

Best of luck!

 

Allan

[Wharfmaster]

They say there are no guarantees in life but that's not always true.

 

Buying High Ticket-Big Bucks medals from TRUSTED sellers goes a long way.

 

 

W

[Kurt Barickman]

1 hour ago, Wharfmaster said:

They say there are no guarantees in life but that's not always true.

 

Buying High Ticket-Big Bucks medals from TRUSTED sellers goes a long way.

 

 

W

Good stuff almost always maintains its value.

 

 

Kurt

[tdogchristy90]

Guys,

 

Some great advice that I’ve had in the back of my head for years now, which is what has led to this slow transformation and desire to “up my game” if you will. Still, to hear it from others brings a whole other level of conviction. A few things came up in your words…

 

First, your encouragement. Encouragement is always great and it never hurts to chase your dreams and as Kurt said “go for the gusto”.

 

Brian brought up focusing on things you are ACTUALLY INTERESTED IN and to select the  top items on your want list and pass on smaller items that can be had at any time.

 

Allen mentioned networking and being nice to your fellow collector. To save your money so that when the grail piece does come up you have the funds. Don’t get distracted by small items or deals. Keep your powder dry so it is ready at the right time and when it is ready be willing to pull the trigger.

 

Wharf also mentions buying these items from trusted dealers. Amen to that.

 

So compiling what everyone has said: 

 

Stay focused on the items you really do want and don’t get distracted by shiny things. This way, when something does come up, you’ll have the funds. Be kind and courteous and willing to spend the money as a way to build a trusted reputation. And to kind of sum up Wharfs statement, if you want to be a professional, deal with and surround yourself with professionals.

 

So here is to not nickel and dimming and passing on the smaller stuff. It was useful when I was trying to build up my collection but it’s time to evolve. Stay focused, have fun, be kind, respectful, and professional.

 

All in an effort to go to that next level, get better, and continue chasing those dreams.

 

Thanks again guys, this community is awesome! 

 

 

[Brig]

On 3/21/2023 at 7:24 AM, tdogchristy90 said:

Thank you for the encouragement guys, especially coming from some of our “heavy hitters”. Any tips from you guys on how to go about “getting to that next level”? Or is it no different than buying the more common stuff, same research and hunting, just a matter more money and greater patience? 

 

Networking and reputation is everything at higher tiers of collecting, particularly with USMC items. The best stuff rarely sees open market, and sellers cherry-pick who they offer it to. When you're dealing with rare, unique, or historically important pieces, many collectors want to ensure that it is being passed on to a true caretaker. I recently sold something I had never planned on moving to a forum member because it was his grail item, and it took him nearly two years to pay. If I hadn't felt he would be a good caretaker, I would have never sold it, much less allowed such a long period to go paying it off.

 

90% of my deals these days are done outside of public sales venues. Stuff in my collection I can trace back 3 or 4 owners, and never once has it been publicly offered. The hobby can be very much a "good ol boys club"

[tdogchristy90]

On 5/5/2023 at 9:15 PM, Brig said:

 

Networking and reputation is everything at higher tiers of collecting, particularly with USMC items. The best stuff rarely sees open market, and sellers cherry-pick who they offer it to. When you're dealing with rare, unique, or historically important pieces, many collectors want to ensure that it is being passed on to a true caretaker. I recently sold something I had never planned on moving to a forum member because it was his grail item, and it took him nearly two years to pay. If I hadn't felt he would be a good caretaker, I would have never sold it, much less allowed such a long period to go paying it off.

 

90% of my deals these days are done outside of public sales venues. Stuff in my collection I can trace back 3 or 4 owners, and never once has it been publicly offered. The hobby can be very much a "good ol boys club"

 

Brig,

 

I have sat on this comment ever since you posted it and have been ruminating on it. You hit the nail on the head and it has been something I’ve really been feeling and thinking about, especially since SOS in February.

 

I think in any hobby you spend some time getting your feet under you and a nice base with which to stand on. Not only did I accomplish this “base” at SOS, I made the determination I want to, and am ready to, make that next leap. This comes from exactly what you mentioned, networking. To chase those quality, museum pieces we all talk about does seem to take building a network, a community, it’s more than just your financial situation.

 

This was especially evident to me as I finished my “base set” and explored SOS more, talking to people and dealers. To really grow in this hobby requires making connections, bonds, and friendships. The nature of my career has made that hard as I don’t get to many shows and or face to face events. It’s a conundrum, really. Like needing experience for something but not being able to gain that experience without the opportunity. I am finally settled in my career so the ability to enjoy the hobby more is definitely there. So is my passion, which has only increased with my career. 

 

So again to your point, networking, reputation, and forming those connections are a major part of making the leap I want to make. So if anyone has anymore advice or tips on doing that or are looking to connect with a passionate historian, I always welcome the conversations. 

 

[Airborne-Hunter]

This hobby is a long term game. 90% is recognizing what's in front of you. 10% is being at the right place at the right time. A good friend of mine, always said: "Truly amazing things go into a collection and never leave. The same goes for anything good....real estate...women...ect." Food for thought. Best ABN

[tdogchristy90]

29 minutes ago, Airborne-Hunter said:

This hobby is a long term game. 90% is recognizing what's in front of you. 10% is being at the right place at the right time. A good friend of mine, always said: "Truly amazing things go into a collection and never leave. The same goes for anything good....real estate...women...ect." Food for thought. Best ABN

You are correct. Well my career revolves around history so I am definitely in this for the long haul. Thanks for the thoughts.

[tdogchristy90]

This group has been around awhile. It recently came my way via a dear friendship I’ve developed within the community. I am very much honored, shocked, and humbled. RIP Marine, you will always be remembered.

 

[Kurt Barickman]

I know that group and it is a great one!

 

CXongrats!

 

Kurt

[History Man]

Great to see this thread come full circle! Thank you for sharing