The display dilemma - Wehrmacht-Awards.com Militaria Forums

Skipper Greenwade · 07-15-2002, 08:28 PM

Just curious about how many of you display your collections in your homes. Due primarily to security concerns, I have opted to display only a very small portion of my 'toys' and have tried to limit it to the less expensive, easy to replace items and/or things that the average scumbag might not recognize as valuable. Here is a shot of the display case in my study - pretty much the sum total of what I'm comfortable having out. There are a few photos and documents scattered about elsewhere, but nothing in the rest of the house to tip off a burglar or freak out an unsuspecting visitor!

What's your take on the "to display or not to display" debate?

Skip

Colorado · 07-19-2002, 03:08 AM

Nice Display! Who are you worried about seeing your "good stuff". I leave my best on display and limit who sees it to my friends and family. The rest can only imagine.

Bob Rodgers · 07-19-2002, 07:56 AM

My items are on the shelves in my house.

There are no more then 5-6 collectors wqho know where i live, and my house is NEVER left empty? so i dont have to worry.
All transactions are via a PO Box., so no one knows where i live !

**Mark S.** · 07-19-2002, 08:59 PM

I display all my stuff. Gotta be able to see it!

My problem is how to display it in the display. Right now all my daggers are just laying on shelves, but I am trying to figure out how to get them so they are more of a focal point.

Here is a basic protype of a stand design I have been working on. This is just a basic form, so I can see how the weight is distributed, and how much counter balance I need.

This is just some steel rod I bent to shape, with little hooks I welded on.

Eventually, once i get the logistics figured out, I would like to make them in plexiglass or wood. Steel might work too, if i can find a way to keep the dagger from making contact with it.

Anyhow, just something I have been messing with.

Bob Rodgers · 07-19-2002, 09:07 PM

Mark,
Great idea !!!!!

i was trying to think of another way to show mine off also, but im limited to shelving space.

walls are full already !

mott5ranch · 07-20-2002, 08:53 AM

Larry (aka Snigley) has some OUTSTANDING display cases that I believe Skipper made for him. These are one of a kind, hand made displays for his specific collections. Maybe he will post the photos again. Me, Carl, and Greg oooh'ed and ahhhh'ed over those for months. They were most definately "KICK ASS"

Skipper Greenwade · 07-20-2002, 10:10 PM

Mark,

I really like your idea for the dagger stand. You can't go wrong keeping it simple.

Most of what I do in the way of displays are out of wood - the Luftwaffe sword display in the photo at the top of this thread is an example. I started out doing displays and presentation cases for my own daggers, etc., but have since sold more of them than I can count.

Happy to see that those who responded to the thread are able to put at least part of their collections out to enjoy

Skip

mott5ranch · 07-21-2002, 12:29 AM

Skip,
Larry posted his case several months ago. Hopefully he will post it again. That size is especially great for my needs. Do you remember what I'm talking about? He had daggers at each end with a few visors and medals inbetween. What would something like that cost a fellow Texan who wants one so bad he could swallow a 30/30 round, eat a chalupa from Monterrey, chase it with a hard boiled egg and a beer, drop his pants, fart, and nail a deer at a hunerd yards?

Larry Lipps · 07-21-2002, 01:06 PM

Gary, the case Skip made was custom designed to sit on top of an old roll-top desk. It also has a mirrored back. Since I couldn't figure out a way to take a photo without my ugly mug showing up in the background I covered it up, but it really adds a lot. Fortunately Skip and I live near each other so I was just able to stop bye and pick it up. If you order one you might want to schedule the pickup for when you come to a Houston Show. I know one large sword display case he built for a collector in Canada that cost more to ship than to make. Another way we kept the cost down was that I installed the glass and did all the finishing myself.

Skipper Greenwade · 07-22-2002, 09:24 PM

Gary,

Are you planning to make the Houston Show next month? If so, let's meet there and discuss. If not, e-mail me (skipgreenwade@hotmail.com). I'm sure we can work something out.

Best,
Skip

mott5ranch · 07-23-2002, 12:18 AM

Skip,
When is the Houston show in August. Greg (aka Ranger) and I were talking about maybe heading up there. Perhaps we could get a few of us forum wehrmacht collecting fools together. For sure we could talk about "MY" case and maybe pick it up in February for that show? I'll bet Greg may want one also.

Skipper Greenwade · 07-23-2002, 06:40 PM

Hi Gary,

As you are no doubt aware. I got your e-mail and responded, but just so anyone else with an interest will know, the Houston show is August 17 & 18, with set-up on the 16th. It's the show they have with the separate militaria section - you never know for sure who or what will be there, but if you don't have to drive too far, it's a big show so the law of averages is on your side.

Look forward to seeing you if you can work it into your schedule!

Skip

G.J.B · 07-23-2002, 07:59 PM

Beautiful displays guys

...and I really like your idea on displaying daggers Mark.
G.J.B

Charles_Rempe · 07-23-2002, 08:21 PM

Mark,
Let us know when those stands will be available
on the e- stand

Charles

mott5ranch · 07-23-2002, 09:25 PM

Skip,
I just emailed you and the group. I hope to be there then. I'm not sure about Ranger and Sweetums. I emailed you so let me know your thoughts on my happy trigger/shutter finger.