1-20-11
Here is the Vietnam collection as of 1-20-11. Getting there. You may notice two BDU28B's. The reason is that I ordered a second one for 3 reasons 1) I like 'em 2) They are cheap (20.00) 3) It comes from my supplier closed with the binding apparatus affixed. Well as fate would have it when I opened the package, curiousity got the better of me and I inadvertantly pulled the latch trigger and it popped open and liked to scare the hell out of me!
(had to change into a fresh pair of shorts) I want one for display that is closed and locked and I cannot get this one back closed although I have the parts. I guess at 20.00 i'll order another and be careful not to touch it! I have found some cool Vietnam stuff (at least cool to me in the 3.00 - 100.00 range, which will free up some scratch for a better purchase (practice V40 is my main want). As mentioned earlier I have traded off some of my WW1 ordnance to get some of this Vietnam stuff, but am still a WW1 collector and have kept a "respectable" collection of WW1 grenades/ordnance. WWII does not fascinate me in any form. Don't fret as I do run into some medium/nice WWII ordnance from time to time and will be happy to trade (bartering is collecting in its truest form in my opinion). Last time I was at Alamo Military Collectables in St. Louis Mo, Tom Knox, owner, and VERY knowlwdgable in Vietnam collectables/ordnance. He gave me nothing short of a "history lesson" and to my astonishment he bent my ear for 2 hours on dating clothing, knives, kit and such. Tom is not only a top notch dealer but an enthusiast in every aspect of the word. Hayes Otoupalik (google him) sells the Colt M16 plastic ammo bags very cheaply. He threw in my plastic ammo bag to hold the 25 flechettes I ordered from him. Hayes has been in the business for many years and just a pleasure to talk to on the phone. As to his pricing, some cheap, some right on, some high. Picture 2 is something that also came in my last order. It is Vietnam protective balm to guard against blistering gas.. Back to Tom Knox. I guess his #1 collecting is knives/bayonets and I bought the k-bar Mark 2 fighting knife (defo post WW11) and he acquired it from a Vietnam vet. Also got an M7 bayonet for the M16 rifle. He took the time to take me through the book showing provenance (Tom is a top notch man). I have him keeping his eyes open for Vietnam ordnance and hae has a box of Vietnam era shells for my inspection on next visit. Since I started collecting Vietnam too it has opened a whole new world to me, like starting over and thirsting for knowledge and I would be remiss if I did not mention V40 as he has been a great asset in my education. Mom's health is failing fast. When the unmentionable happens we are going to sell her place and get a farm house on ground with some "out buildings" so the WW1 trench should be making a comeback along with a "Namatorium" of sorts. I think most are aware of my budget constraints but am making best I can of the situation. If I could have my druthers my big large purchase would be the single shot breakdown M79 40mm grenade launcher!!! Dream on Dano. I have taken an extreme fascination with the RFX grenades (namely M21 RFX post 1950 pineapple and RFX practice M30/62 lemon.) Well for those of you who are still awake I bid you adieu!!! Dano