The Show of Shows 2025 Louisville Kentucky February 20-22.

[B-Man2]

Prices are going up...

For sure …In some hobbies collectibles are going up in value faster than the stock market .

 

[gunnarthefeisty]

For sure …In some hobbies collectibles are going up in value faster than the stock market .

I'm really hoping that things get cheaper again in these hobbies. It's certainly growing faster than my income.

 

[Micawber]

Generally speaking, in the decades I collected - I still do but on a vastly reduced scale - I do not think I recall prices for original vintage gear ever coming down.

 

[Thomas Koehle]

Strange that it has the M-1 Thompson model front site and not the Cutts compensator typical of the 1928 Thompson (as the rest of the components represent).

That's a repro made from pot-metal - thus those smaller inaccuracies

Manufacturers name is DENIX

 

[Thomas Koehle]

What an impressive set of photos!

Original NOS boondockers or double-buckles in a wearable size?

Oh man - i think it was good not to be there or to spend too much money ...

 

[B-Man2]

What an impressive set of photos!

Original NOS boondockers or double-buckles in a wearable size?

Oh man - i think it was good not to be there or to spend too much money ...

All of the boots in that photo are US size 12 or 13 , Eu size 45 and 46. They are definitely NOS mint condition ….. so … now the question is pretty the same as finding a mint original jacket …. Should I wear them and eventually degrade them after 80 + years of them being new? … or …. Should I wear repros?
It’s a never ending dilemma…..

 

[entertainment]

Show of Shows was a blast. It wasn't so great for acquiring A-2s and G-1s (most of them small, many of them in display-only condition, nearly all of them patched and/or painted), but there were some great deals on other jacket types, and if you frequent the "related gear" section of the VLJ, it was a goldmine: watches, shirts, caps, boots, all at significantly better prices than you would find on eBay. And even though it wasn't great for wearable A-2s and G-1s, just getting to walk up to these beautiful originals, handle them, and check out the details was worth the price of admission all by itself.

@Nnatalie and I both had a great time. The organization that puts on SoS (Ohio Valley Military Society) has another event later this year, and we're already planning to go. The dates: September 18-21. The place: York, Pennsylvania. You know what's just upriver of York? Middletown, PA. Burt and I are already planning to make a trip (pilgrimage?) to the old Rough Wear factory, and to see if there are any jackets to be found in that old manufacturing town.

View attachment 183785

Within driving distance for me, but also parent's weekend at university for my daughter. But if you are planning to be there on the 18th, I am good to go. No pressure!!!!

 

[Thomas Koehle]

All of the boots in that photo are US size 12 or 13 , Eu size 45 and 46. They are definitely NOS mint condition ….. so … now the question is pretty the same as finding a mint original jacket …. Should I wear them and eventually degrade them after 80 + years of them being new? … or …. Should I wear repros?
It’s a never ending dilemma…..

I see the dilemma Burt!

Life ain't easy ...

No joke - i would hardly be able to decide ...

 

[Pilot]

For sure …In some hobbies collectibles are going up in value faster than the stock market .

Fully agree… and will not go down anymore..

 

[Clark J]

Nice snag on the A-17A! I've been thrilled with mine. If you need a NOS strap, let me know.

View attachment 183359

What did that set you back ? Looks really nice

 

[coolhandluke]

What did that set you back ? Looks really nice

Thanks Clark. $465 + tax and shipping off of eBay, but it was near NOS condition and had just received a full service (seller included photographs documenting service and timegrapher screenshots).

There's a lot of wannabe watchmaker hacks out there that advertise serviced watches for sale, but this particular seller did a fantastic job. Thankfully I lucked into finding this A-17A after nearly getting screwed on a shoddy piece (from a fairly well-known "watchmaker" who specializes in "serviced" military wristwatches). In that case, serviced meant a horrendously over lubricated movement, full of dirt and debris, with an incorrect balance, and a print out of fake timegrapher results.