Lots of Dealers and Collectors are practical.  They improve and upgrade their collection and cull their lesser examples by sale or trade.  This is a boon to other collectors.  I begrudge no one making a reasonable profit using their knowledge and power of observation.  It is not that easy, nor is it cheap, to find a lot of Krag accessories.  I hope every Krag enthusiast has lots of days where they find a sought after item at a great price.  Reproductions and reprints are made because there is a demand that can't be met (or within the means of many collectors).  I started this thread (topic) because many newer Krag Collectors may not be aware of some of the items that complement their Krag(s) and add to the Story.

Yes, the Gun Room was a thing of pride, conversation and wonder in the 1950s and 1960s.  Some notable Restaurants displayed the owner's collection for the delight of the patrons.  Andy Palmer's Military Inn in Dearborn, Michigan, comes to mind.  Andy use to appear regularly on TV ("Sage Brush Shorty Show") in costume appropriate for the Historic Firearm he would show and explain to the kid audience.  I was a kid and loved it!  When I was involved in Civil War and Bicentennial groups, I would routinely be invited to appear in Uniform with Weapons to to explain and teach elementary, junior high, and high school students aspects of our Military History.  The students loved it!  Now the only safe thing to put on your walls is photographs and graphics.  You have to be mighty careful with whom you share your interests and hobbies.  Anything of value or potentially lethal has to be out of sight and locked up. 

Second post due to character count limitation.  A little philosophy....

Dick, you have more than 1 trapdoor carbine.  One is enough for anyone so you should give the rest away to the needy.  I didn't say "sell," I said give.  They need them.

We know they don't.  Of the items in my collection, and it is rather extensive, not a single one is necessary.  None of those tools, guns, manuals, etc.  In fact, without the collector market, they're rather worthless.  They're strictly luxuries.  So I cannot be "depriving the needy" as there is no "need" for those items.  Short of selling them to collectors wanting them, and then giving the money I get away to the truly needy, there is no way I'm impacting "need."  People need food, water, heat, etc.  This stuff isn't useful in any real fashion.  It's completely "needless."

So, no, you don't determine need on this stuff as there isn't any.  It's all want and desire.  Given that, I have X amount of money for my luxuries.  I can spend it on cruises, sports cars, a fancy house, or, and this is the case, my collection.  How many of each item I decide to have and what those items are is really my choice.  It's my money and my time.

I am not, and it's patently obvious, harming anyone's need.  If I used that money to drive up the cost of food or housing I would be. 

I'll buy what I want in the quantities I want.  I don't "need" any of it.  My needs are actually quite small overall and my fundage for luxuries is quite good.  Which beats the alternative.

If you're really concerned about "need" go ahead and sell your collection.  All of it.  Then donate the proceeds to a soup kitchen.  They have a need.

Myself I'll spend my money however I wish.  If I'm particularly good at finding the stuff that interests me - great.  Which I am so that's good.

Read, somewhat understood, mostly agreed with.

Sorry for the "gunroom" red herring, I do now recall the restaurant plan. 

As to my trapdoor holdings, I cannot say there are zero exact duplicates, but they are very few, and (with the exception of the early 1873 Carbines) will be the first to go, when I thin down, which will begin soon - in fact, I've already put the first one in the store (with little interest, I might add, but it's the wrong venue to begin with - did it just to test the water and to see how I felt about it).

butlersrangers wrote on Jul 27^th, 2012 at 4:58pm:


As you know my Father, you probably have seen the Trapdoors hanging on the mantle.  I grew up with those trapdoors hanging on the mantle, and never once questioned their existance.  My brother and I always knew that dad had guns in the basement, and even knew where the key was... but never touched without permission!  How sad that the world has become a place where we DO now have to hide these things, and never speak of them.  Outside of collectors (which I hope to be one day), most people ostracize those who do not lock away firearms for fear that it will be used by a child.  If we educate rather than hide... maybe the world - outside of collectors will know about our military history!

Paul

DeChristopher has original 1898 sight blade for $35 (item k-74).