Blowing up a collection?

edwin

edwin

Active member
Don't know what to make of this it's still the Telegraph :D

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/11101639/WW1-machine-gun-found-in-mans-garage.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards,

Edwin
 
I haven't heard any more about it either. I don't know what the current laws are in the US regarding machine guns, but they used to be pretty strict, but you could own one (or more) with a license. I'm sure some of my neighbors have arsenals in their homes that would perhaps rival this one, if not in age, in firepower and quantity.
There's no problem in our state with de-militarized artillery rounds (no powder, no operable fuses), so I don't think this collection would raise any eyebrows around here, just a few drools from folks. Of course, the ATF would ask for his license and check for proper adherence to the laws, what ever they are now.

By the way, anybody know of a US M1917 or French Renault FT-17 tank that could be had?

:D Ron
 
A friend recently sold his spare 1917 Renault to the Liberty Memorial, so there are not too many on the market, he will not put a price on the one he still has for fear of someone having the money.
Oddly enough, the laws on MGs in the US are rather illogical, for example, the Chauchat has a controlled part, it is the outer tube, because that is the part with the historical information, the inner tube and barrel and bolt are not controlled,and a person can make a single shot rifle out of them, then there is the Browning 1919A4, a parts kit can be sold and shipped with out any paper work as long as the right side plat is cut off. The only real reason for the right side plate is to keep the charging handle from falling out.
 
Well Gus, I think Hayes should hang onto his M1917, seriously, who has the money for one anymore? I wish I could restore one for a museum, but that's never going to happen.

In Kuwait before we 'went north' they told us we couldn't even ship home a cotter pin from a weapon, but we could ship a tank. They were lying. I knew where there were at least twenty T-55's and T-62's in running condition, free for the taking. They wouldn't let me ship one. Butt brains. :wink:

:D Ron
 
In Kuwait before we 'went north' they told us we couldn't even ship home a cotter pin from a weapon,
Click to expand...

We thought we were so cool. We collected up a bunch of bayonets and gave everyone one. Then they made us destroy them. Then they changed the policy again and we collected up more bayonets. We each brought one home. I sold mine to Gus.
 
joerookery said:
In Kuwait before we 'went north' they told us we couldn't even ship home a cotter pin from a weapon,
Click to expand...

We thought we were so cool. We collected up a bunch of bayonets and gave everyone one. Then they made us destroy them. Then they changed the policy again and we collected up more bayonets. We each brought one home. I sold mine to Gus.
Click to expand...

They wouldn't even let us BRING a knife with a blade longer than 2 inches... or drink beer.... or... or.. or... All I found was an Iraqi uniform or two and a Russian shoulder holster. It was a crappy war for collectors...

:D Ron
 
I could tell you all sorts of stories. For some reason everyone wanted to have a little bottle of sand. This was a strict no-no until Schwarzkopf did it. Then suddenly it was okay. And then there is the story of the mechanic who tried to take back a human hand in his toolbox…
 
My take on this is they blew up the ordanance some of which was live because it was dug. No reason to blow up uniforms or helmets. Correct me if I am wrong.
 
Ed you are right, there has been no common sense in my country for about 20 years, last year most of east kent came to a standstill as the authorities closed the port of Dover, passengers could not embark, ferries had to drop anchor at sea and wait to come in to port why?
turns out a German militaria dealer had been stopped in his van at customs the young customs officer saw his stock and called the alarm (despite the dealer showing him his tickets for the show) they closed the port.
being that the war and peace show is held 6 miles away in Folkestone and its the largest military show in Europe a modicum of common sense could have been applied I think.
 
gunner cooper said:
Ed you are right, there has been no common sense in my country for about 20 years, last year most of east kent came to a standstill as the authorities closed the port of Dover, passengers could not embark, ferries had to drop anchor at sea and wait to come in to port why?
turns out a German militaria dealer had been stopped in his van at customs the young customs officer saw his stock and called the alarm (despite the dealer showing him his tickets for the show) they closed the port.
being that the war and peace show is held 6 miles away in Folkestone and its the largest military show in Europe a modicum of common sense could have been applied I think.
Click to expand...

When I was re-enacting, my wife and I traveled to Fort Knox (Kentucky) to drive tanks. I had my WWII tanker uniform in the trunk along with a replica .45 pistol, the barrel of which was drilled to look authentic (instead of an orange plug). I made VERY sure that I told the guards searching the car not to be alarmed before opening the trunk and finding all of that stuff.
None of us, including the guys with live weapons and blanks had any problem coming on base. Sounds like the customs guy in Dover went a bit overboard... of course, they closed a naval base I was on because there was a cardboard box that had blown into the middle of a field, 250 yards from anything. A case of better safe than sorry.

:D Ron
 
On the totally opposite end of the line: when I was Rev. War reenacting back during the bicentennial years and shortly after, we had a show at an 1812 period fort just over the border in Canada. Being a member of a N.J. Loyalist unit we were heading over for the "Loyalist Days" celebration. The border crossing was only a few miles from the fort. Anyhow, here we are, a bunch of scruffy un-shaven 21/23-year-olds in a van loaded to the gills with all kinds of 18th century-looking boxes and gear. We pull up to the Canadian customs guy and he proceeds to ask us three questions: "Have you boys got any guns?"...yes sir..."Have you boys got any explosives"...yes sir..."Have you boys got any alcohol"...yes sir. "Okay boys...go ahead". Can you imagine that happening now? Clearly, this particular customs guy knew of the event and knew why we were there so he used his head.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top