The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ Message Archive | The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

    Re: Calls for pix, what's up? Archived Message

    Posted by SGT on April 20, 2007, 9:14 am, in reply to "Re: Calls for pix, what's up?"

    All I can add to this discussion Doc, is keep on doing what you are doing! If gun nuts like me had had at our disposal the WEALTH of information 25 years ago that we have so easily available today thru forums like this, publications like the DGJ, recently published books, and the great photo services you are providing; I would be thousands of dollars better off. Since there was little information available, I was forced to learn my lessons and get my education the hard way; thru my wallet, and thus wasted many dollars in the process. Knowledge is power; and if a guy is really serious about this hobby, he now has the benefit of multiplied years of experience and untold thousands of dollars of trial and error knowledge of unestimable value at his disposal; and his only cost is the time expended to absorb what is so freely shared. Personally, I find any insinuation that you are somehow doing your "picture trail" series for some sinister profit motive offensive and insulting; but assume such suggestion comes from sheer ignorance. For anyone who has ever collected vintage guns as a hobby learns very early that most collectors are absolutely thrilled at any opportunity to share a bit of information, or an exceptional gun they encounter; and the only exceptions to that rule are dealers (who clearly understand that knowledgeable collectors understand BS when they see and hear it), and the paranoid collector who refuses to share anything he knows because he's afraid his doing so will cost him an opportunity for something he's chasing! The Scriptures teach that the more we give of our selves, the more we receive in turn. I believe this principal true in all areas of our lives; but I can tell you first hand this teaching applies to gun collecting, for the sharing of the information I have learned has been returned many times over in myriad ways, and are continuing to be returned every day! And although I don't, nor will I ever, claim to know all there is to know about Smith guns and company history, my mission at the moment is to reduce the amount of MISINFORMATION that is so prevelant, and so often causeS a novice collector to make a poor, and often costly decision. Personally I have great admiration and appreciation for your efforts and enthusiasm; don't ever stop what you're doing, Doc!

    Message Thread: