Welcome to the
Antique and Collectible Firearms and
Militaria Headquarters www.FineOldGuns.com (OldGuns.net)
Bookmark this location now so you can return often. Marc--- Stormy Mountain Sports L.C. P.O. Box 95021, South Jordan, UT 84095-5021 John--- John Spangler Professional Services, LC. PO Box 711282, Salt Lake City, UT 84171 Marc and John are two separate business entities.
Now, there's a warrior, an ally!
And, we must add additional salutes to some of our other brave and loyal British allies fighting alongisde us in Iraq and Afghanistan who have been awarded Victoria Crosses in our current battle against radical Islamic jihad: Private Johnson Beharry, from 1st Battalion the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment in Iraq and Corporal Bryan Budd, 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment.
Our British allies are often overlooked but their contirbutions are vital, and sincerely appeciated, as we jointly defend our shared values.
From the UK Telegraph: About Sergeant Dougie Wright, winner of the Victoria Cross (equivalent to the Medal of Honor) during World War II:
Sergeant Dougie Wright
Sergeant Dougie Wright, who has died aged 88, earned a Military Medal and a legendary reputation as a fighting soldier with Lord Jellicoe's 1st Special Boat Squadron in the Greek islands.
Dougie Wright [right] meeting Major-General Francis Sugden: he once bit a guard dog back
In April 1944 he distinguished himself in a close-quarter attack on an enemy post on Ios, which resulted in no SBS losses but five enemy casualties. He was also involved in two dramatic attacks on a radio station on Amorgos. In the first he found himself under the command of Anders Lassen, a Dane (later to win a posthumous VC) who hated Germans and usually killed them; but on this occasion Lassen did a deal with a captured wireless operator by which he took the man's dog as well as the station's code books, while Wright took the German's Greek mistress.
When the second attack was made, the station had been reinforced to be the Germans' local headquarters. Wright, a left-hander who had taught himself to become an expert with a Bren gun, was given the crucial task of providing cover.
He positioned himself with 20 magazines of ammunition on a flat rooftop to await the signal to fire: a Greek officer throwing a grenade through the station's middle window. Although nearly 300 yards away, Wright opened up with such accuracy that the enemy became too demoralised to respond. Six of them were brought down as they fled the building, and he later counted five more.
The resulting success of these actions was "to a very great extent due to the work of this NCO", according to his citation.
Wright consolidated his reputation for conduct of the highest order during further operations on Naxos between May 16 and May 26 when, weak from a serious relapse of malaria, he refused help carrying his heavy equipment during a 15-mile march over mountainous country.
It was due to his determination that the patrol was spared an extra day's waiting in an area heavily patrolled by the enemy, the citation concluded.
Douglas Wright was born on March 11 1919 at Macclesfield, Cheshire, one of nine children; his father had been in the Pioneer Corps during the Great War. Young Dougie worked for a baker, as a butcher's boy and on a farm before enlisting in the Grenadiers in 1938; he was posted to the King's Company, where the shortest man was 6ft 3in tall. During the Dunkirk retreat he recalled coming under fire as the Grenadiers arrived on the beaches and were ordered to march to attention. They wondered "what the hell was going on" until the "eyes right" was given, and General Alexander returned their salute. Then "some silly bugger forgot to give the halt," Wright recalled, "so we ended up in a foot of water."
Following service in North Africa, Wright volunteered for the SAS, then joined the SBS. He took part in raids on Sardinia, Crete and Yugoslavia as well as on the Greek islands, where he was said to have strangled nine Germans with his bare hands. No written evidence for this exists. As an in-pensioner at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, he had no family photographs on the wall of his bunk, only the bayonet he had carried at Dunkirk. Once, when the pensioners were (unusually) recalling how many enemy they had each personally dispatched, Wright brought the discussion to an abrupt end by saying: "Sank a troopship once."
After the war he was discharged because of his malaria, but re-enlisted in the Grenadiers 10 years later to serve on Malta and then Cyprus, where he became the pioneer sergeant. While trying to procure some badly needed cement for a tennis court, he was searching company stores out of hours when a guard dog went for his throat. "Having worked with farm animals, I wasn't having that," Wright recalled, "so I bit the bastard back." The dog yelped, and ran off.
Later, back with the battalion in London, he took a mentally deranged soldier to Millbank Hospital, where Wright ended up swearing at a psychiatrist whose white coat concealed that he was a brigadier. This earned Wright a severe reprimand, and lost him his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. But he went on to see further service in the Cameroons, Germany and Sharjah, being finally discharged in 1970 after more than 21 years' service.
He then worked as a butcher and a security man before joining the prison service. Entering the Royal Hospital in 1995, he reverted to out-pension for family reasons in 1997 but returned the following year.
Dougie Wright, who died on February 27, was twice married and divorced, and is survived by three children from each of his marriages
New Flayderman’s Guide
is now available! The BRAND NEW 9th Edition just arrived and is ready for shipment-
125 more pages than the 8th edition, totally revised values, many new listings. List price $39.99- our price $38.00 with FREE shipping (in the U.S.) FLAYDERMAN'S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIREARMS AND THEIR VALUES- (9th ed. 2007, 800pp 8.5" x 11" softbound)-
(Order as Item- Flayderman)
EVERY GUN COLLECTOR NEEDS THIS BOOK! The most respected and accurate single source of information on American guns made circa 1945 and earlier. Besides the thorough and accurate descriptions that enable proper identification of guns there are many sections dealing with gun collecting in general and with specific specialized areas. Each has lots of sound advice which is critical knowledge for beginning collectors and a valuable refresher for even the most experienced collectors. I keep one copy with my gun show stuff, one in the office and another in the car (in case I find something while traveling!). Well organized by maker or general category, it is easy to use. Well illustrated to point out model differences, and absolutely indispensable for any gun collector. We stock this book because you need it and will benefit tremendously and enjoy your collection a lot more because of it.
Miscellaneous Tidbits Below are some links to various items of information that may be helpful, or at least interesting.
MAKING GUNS IN AFGHANISTAN- We have posted an old article on the hand made guns from the hills of Afghanistan.
This should be of interest to folks with the opportunity to buy guns being sold in the bazaars there. Most of the "antique" guns we have seen brought back by our troops are actually recently made copies. The locals have figured out what sells to the "rich" Americans, and they are busy making them to fill the demand. These are fine souvenirs, but not valuable old collector items, and often worth far less to a collector than our soldiers are paying for them. Take another dose of CAVEAT EMPTOR before getting one of these. On the other hand, a collection of Afghan or "Khyber Pass" copies of guns made elsewhere would be an interesting specialty, even if a lousy investment. http://www.armscollectors.com/darra/darra.htm
Lots of great gun collector stuff for sale- right here at Oldguns.net.
Don't forget to check the items that have been posted for a while. There are some excellent buys and rare goodies that have been posted for a while but overlooked. See them all right here are at http://oldguns.net/
"It is the curs in the media who cannot stand victory that can defeat us. It is the political hacks who cannot stand victory that can defeat us. American warriors have taken out another threat to our country. I am proud to stand amongst those here."
Lt. Colonel, USMC, (in Iraq)Anyone remember WHY the U.S. was defeated in Vietnam? It was not because of our troops, but the leftist media and spineless politicians. Better keep an eye on them again!
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News related to the topics covered at OldGuns.net. These may include items from our "News 'n Notes" section; information on new items added to our catalog pages; important political developments; opportunities to protect your gun rights; or other stuff that we think you might be interested in. All we need is your email address, you will receive our Newsletters whenever they are issued, probably no more than two or three a month.
Communications
We are often pretty busy traveling, working in storage areas or shipping things.
Please, if at all possible communicate with us by e-mail instead of by phone.
Use the order blanks or e-mail links throughout our pages to contact us.
Thanks!
John Spangler & Marc Wade
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(Note: Please remember we are" oldguns.NET". We have learned there is another site at "oldguns.COM" but we know you will want to return here, so don't get confused.)
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WE BUY GUNS
We also buy gun parts, gun related tools, ammunition for collectors, and other gun items, bayonets, swords, knives, daggers, uniforms, flags, medals, belts, buckles cartridge boxes or belts, and other collectable militaria, gun and military related books. Contact us if you have any of these items for sale. We are interested in single items, collections of any size, or estates. All transactions confidential.
Looking for Something? Wanted List (A free service!)
You can advertise here for items you are looking for.
Please check the list and contact people if you have something they need.
Haven't ordered from us before? Here are some comments from our customers:
Marc...Received the rifle this afternoon...This rifle is everything you described...What a simple no frill gun...The bore is the best I have seen yet...Some of my friends have said that I spent to much for this rifle, so I went looking...found them ranging from 150 to 500 dollars...but the low end guns were not as nice as this one and of course the high end guns were out of sight.. And you are right when you said "A good representative "Jap rifle" of WW2....So what I am saying is, I don't think I paid too much for this rifle and I will, if the opportunity arises, buy from again...and to go one step further...I would buy from you sight unseen, just on your word alone..and that my friend is a status we would all like to achieve...as my father always to me, a man is only as good as his word.....Pretty good advice...
"Hello Marc, The new addition to my family arrived safely yesterday, and to just say that I am pleased would be an understatement. To know how happy I am, you must know that I have been looking for a rifle in this nice of a condition for a while now. When I first saw it on your web site I knew that it was THE one. But then I had to wait until it arrived to see if it was REALLY as nice as the photos and description portrayed. Unfortunately, as I have found, there are those in your business whose integrity is less than admirable. Not to offend you in any way, but I would not convinced that the rifle would be what you said it would be until I could hold it in my hands. When it arrived I was excited and apprehensive about even pulling it out of the box. Marc, as silly as it sounds, when I unwrapped it and saw how beautiful it was, I danced a little jig around the room (yeah, I know I got a serious problem, but it's fun!!!). When it comes to rifles, I'm definitely a "wood" man, and this one is as nice as any in my collection. In fact, everything about it is as good or better than your description (you don't happen to have another lying around do you?). Anyway, I apologize for the rambling, but sending you a "got the rifle, it's OK" would not express my appreciation. A "new" loyal customer,
" R. S."The MP40 pouches and Paratrooper smock arrived today. They're great and I'm keeping them. You can tell everyone else they're sold to a happy new owner. Thank you for the nice items and I look forward to doing business with you again.
" Nick"I received my [bayonet] yesterday. It was exactly as you described and I couldn't be more pleased. I will admit I was a little apprehensive about sending a check to someone I didn't know based on a web site catalogue, but you have proven to be a honest and reputable and I am very glad to have met you, through correspondence if nothing else. I'm sure you will be hearing from me in the future.
" Ed"I have visited many web sites offering militaria and antique weapons. Yours is one of the more diverse and user friendly I have encountered....I am sure I will continue to visit quite often.
" Richard"The Enfield arrived yesterday. I couldn't be happier with it. It is in exactly the condition you described, and looks great! Thanks for your honest dealing and quick service. I really do appreciate your accurate description of the merchandise. I've been disappointed so many times when I opened the box of militaria that was ordered sight-unseen that I value honesty when I encounter it. Your photos are helpful, too--and fun to browse through.
" Mike--"My order arrived on the 13th. I was very pleased with it's contents. What a pleasure it is to find a dealer who knows how to HONESTLY describe things and price them FAIRLY!! Thank you for your service. You find me the goodies I need and we'll be doing lots of business." Joe--"I received the [W.W.I USMC hat] yesterday. I am extremely pleased with my purchase. It is exactly what you represented and I am pleased to be the new owner. Your word and service has established a high level of credibility with me and I shall, hopefully, be doing more business with you in the future. Thanks so much." Bill --"You've made a happy customer with me! The musket arrived yesterday - in nicer condition that you described; solidly packed... Please keep me on your mailing list. We'll do business again.
" Don --"I received the bayonet today. Nice!! From your description & the picture it was what I expected to receive. 'Good work'. I now feel comfortable doing transactions with you. I will now be viewing your classified continually for items for my collection. sincerely," Bill--"Today I received the two French bayonets that I recently ordered from you. Both arrived in good shape. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your accurate descriptions of these items, and for your prompt service. So... thanks! I look forward to doing business with you again.
" Jon --"As was the case with previous orders, the condition of the articles was better than your description. I am extremely pleased. You are absolutely right. This is not the usual "junk" that I encounter at [gun shows in my area.]" Leonard --"I received my [collector's] ammo today. I must say I am very pleased
" Mike --"Thanks for the prompt service. What a concept! Here's to more business with you in the future..." Emory --[We goofed on a description, even though inspection period was long over, we offered a full refund.] "Spoken like a true gentleman, thanks. I appreciate your willingness to make good. This just reinforces my decision to do business with you in the future." Emory --"I received the Flayderman book yesterday. You were right, it [has] just about everything." Roy --"THANKS, you really have been a wealth of information. I'll have to 'Bookmark' your site and pass the word around that you really do "serve the collectors and students of firearms and military history"
" Scott --"The Model 1881 Dress Helmet more than met my expectations, thanks, and as I said before, I expect to be a frequent, and happy customer!" Peter--
Gun Show Information
Gun shows are excellent opportunities to meet other people who collect and study firearms and their technical, historical, or artistic features. They are great places for collectors to buy, sell, or trade items.
You can find experts to identify or appraise items; and parts or gunsmiths to repair your items. Most shows have books collectors need for reference. A wide variety of accessories and related items are usually available.
Some people with tables at shows are full time dealers, while others are collectors enhancing their collection by selling duplicates and looking for new treasures. Some shows are very large with lots of excellent items, some are small with very few good items. You never know what you will find, or who might be interested in something. Some people (with or without tables) are ignorant or misinformed about items they have. Others may be nationally recognized experts. Don't judge by people's appearances. The guy or gal in blue jeans may be a doctor, lawyer, bank president, wealthy rancher/farmer, or someone in the construction trades, but may also be an expert in a certain field. Collecting interests and expertise are spread across a diverse base of economic and cultural backgrounds.
Promoters insist all federal, state and local laws concerning sales of firearms must be obeyed at gun shows. Many shows offer free admission to uniformed law enforcement officers. Entire families attend most shows. There are often antiques or other items that spouses might be interested in. Food is usually available, and there are some seats around in case anyone ever gets tired of looking at the interesting things on the tables.
Go to a show. You will probably have a good time.
WE BUY GUNS
