15 replies to this topic

[JimFromFL]

Excluding my Thompson, drums and mags, I have a number of other Thompson items of sorts including old articles, magazines, manual and other knickknacks.

As most Thompson collectors know, really only other Thompson collectors appreciate these items. Displaying them out in the open tends to draw concern rather than interest from neighbors and other kids parents who may visit.

I hope to move to a smaller dwelling soon and am wondering what to do with these items. Displaying them will definitely be out of the question due to a lack of room. The other option is to put them in the box and take them out to fondle once a year, or stop being a pack rat and sell the stuff keeping maybe one or two items. (The Thompson, drums and mags are excluded as these are my keeper items)

Only true Thompson enthusiast can understand my dilemma and provide true feedback.

I have giving my 2-cent plenty of times. This time I am looking for yours.

[brian]

if it were me, i would put the stuff in a box, even if only to see it once a year.

yes you could sell/share it with the rest of us. however if ever you want to see or hold an item you once had but parted with, in my mind would justify keeping the stuff.

there may come a time that you might not even have the chance to get back what you once had.

[TOMMY SMG]

OK Jim, you've talked me into it, go ahead, box-up all that "PACK RAT" stuff you have and send it up to me. It will stay in good hands, (I'm a "THOMPSON PACK RAT" also.) then when ever you want to come up to Ohio and shoot Thompsons together, we'll "FONDLE" through all the stuff we've collected!!!!!!!!!!!!

OR

You could send me an "Early Christmas Present" and still come up and shoot with me!!!!!?????.........


JUST TRYING TO HELP OUT !!!!!!............

See Ya,

Jim

[deerslayer]

Get or build one of those coffee tables that have large glass top drawers and a glass top space at the very top. Put some of your literature, maybe a mag or two in the very top, then in each drawer, group items together. Easy access if you want to look at them or take them out, but conveniently out of sight if you don't.

[TD.]

Decisions, decisions...how about listing the items you don't have room for along with a list of items that you would like to have - and would have room for. Perhaps a little trading on the board may result.

[SamG]

Test yourself. Send everything you would consider selling to me for safe keeping. I have plenty of secure storage. If separation anxiety is too much to bear, call me and I'll send the item you miss the most back to you. I'll pay all shipping to and fro. If you miss another piece, call me, I'll send it...repeat as necessary.

Edited by SamG, 23 September 2004 - 09:49 PM.

[LIONHART]

Jim, I've been there too. Sold off all of my Curtis Earl Catalogs, and various items that I no longer had a need for. It's just one of those things. By all means, if you wish to move on/part with some items, than do so. For me, I deceided I just didn't want a lot of Collector items that could be damaged in some way or another.

[full auto 45]

Jim, I know the problem. I have a large safe the started out to big, now it is way toy small. I have Thompson stuff stacked on top of each other. Along with the other gun stuff. Buy a large nice looking safe. Put it all in there and take out what you want to show somebody or display. I've got my top shelf stacked with papers and books from everyone. Then the side shelves has all my drums and clips on it. All in all I have 2 guns, 10 drums, 25+ 20 rounders and 30-40 30 rounders. Plus all the extra parts and accessories for each gun. Along with all my other goodies.

[Chopper28]

I took my articles, pictures, brochures ect. and put them in a three ring binder with plastic pocket type pages. It is very handy to look through, store and protect the items. Can be put in your safe when not in use. Just my .02

[tedgun1911]

Jim, I agree with Brian. There may come a time when
you'll regret never having kept the stuff. And you may
never be able to replace some of it.

That being said, however, (and as everyone else has
noted) let me know if you want to sell any of it.

[john]

Hi Jim!

Whenever I think I have too much "stuff" I'll lay it all out, then take pictures of all of it (just to prove to myself that I really did own it at one point) then I'll pick out a MOST FAVORITE item and sell off the rest. too much becomes clutter (seen that before in this post!!).

Pick your favorite piece and peddle the rest. THEN take the money you made from the sale and buy one item you really always wanted.

Kinda like recycling the relics, in a way.

john

BTW, whaddya have fer sale??

[Grey Crow]

I had all my collectables displayed all over the house. I agree I did get some concerned looks and questions.

Since then I finished my garage into a den. That's right, I threw out the car and put in a sub floor, insulated, installed a gas heater, alarm system with heat and smoke dectectors, track lighting, wall to wall carpet, the works.

I still need to invest in another safe, probably when income tax comes back in 05.

Next AC, but don't tell the wife! She already thinks my cheese slipped off my cracker.

[Waffen Und Bier]

I'd have to keep pack ratting and figure out more efficient storage/ display options. I have a closed in garage that I'll end up turning into a display room (once all these dang hurricanes are over). I regret getting rid of too many things in a moment of weakness.

[Norm]

QUOTE

She already thinks my cheese slipped off my cracker.

That IS funny!

I like the room!

[SecondAmend]

Jim,

Well kept long-term storage facilities can be rented fairly reasonably in most areas. Replacement of Thompson memorablia not so cheaply.

As many of us (myself included) have lamented, I only regret the guns I sold and the guns I didn't buy. That may apply to memorablia as well.

Best to you regardless of your decision. Not an easy one, for sure.

[TSMGguy]

Keep it all, and insist that you be buried with it! That way, in 5,000 years or so, some archeologist will figure that you were some sort of 21st century warrior king!