Originally posted by Erich Wahl
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Well, that won't be his problem then!
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Right on Jack!Originally posted by Jack Dutton-RobertsWell, that won't be his problem then! 
Sic transit gloria mundi.Comment
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I am reminded of the incredibly accurate replacement liners for imperial headgear and paratrooper helmets produced by a Mr. Berringer from Pittsburgh, PA a few years back. They were so dead-on right that he would put an indellible stamp on the inside to show that it was his work. I think the stamp eventually became optional due to "customer demand". after 20 years on a collector's shelf, ( Or one season on a re-enactor's scalp) these liners will be indistinguishable from originals.Comment
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Sic transit gloria mundi.[/quote]
"Thus passes the glory of the world"
alternatively interpreted..
"Thus the mighty fallen"
An appropriate statement.Comment
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What to do?
This thread was starting to get old, but a new and interesting question has been asked. I'll take Robins intentions at his word, but what if he drops dead tomorrow?
What if any of us do?
I'm 48 and hope to be collecting another twenty years before I have to try and sell am my stuff, but if I kick off in my sleep tonight, my wife will be selling off a few altered pieces along with my unaltered items. Most of these alterations are actually restorations. Replacing missing or incorrect badges, patching, sewing, etc.
I think this is the case with many, if not most of us. Robins broblem is not the alteration, it's making sure that the history of the cap is passed on. A small envelope with the two original cockades and a note outlining his alteration should be kept with the cap. When the cap is passed on, the new owner could certainly disregard the note and toss the original cockades, but that would then be his bad karma.
This whole thread just reminds me of what a bad job of record keeping I have done in the past few years. In an earlier message I said that is our responsbility to take good care of these items while we own them so that they are passed on in good condition. I guess that is just as important to pass on the objects collector history, something that is rarely done.Comment
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I am not sure if the poll was done here or another forum but it was about 50/50 as to whether we would alter or buy an altered piece. I personally would not. Not only did Robin create a piece he wanted but he possibly disassembled a piece that may have been unaltered for 70+ years (I did not have in hand, so I do not know).
I am making no judgements or calling names here, I am just saying I wouldn't do it. I would not like telling visitors, "here is my put-together piece that looks like something I could not find".
Like others said, someday someone will be selling this. Will it be sold as an original from Lumsden's collection or will the seller be telling the potential buyers it was fabricated from original parts...which would matter to some of us.Comment
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[quote=Brian Calkins;1562365]
I think this is the case with many, if not most of us. quote]
Well said, Brian.
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..I agree that documentation should be kept, but just for the record, there is a HUGE difference between "restoration" and making a piece into something it never was, as is the case w/ this cap. It is like buying a standard officer tunic and sewing tank destruction strips and badge loops all over it. What is the point? You have (IMO) selfishly ruined an original piece to make what amounts to a fake that tickles your fancy. I don't get it, but to each is own I guess....Comment
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[quote=Andy Hopkins;1563887 To each his own I guess....[/quote]
That's it in a nutshell.
One man's meat is another man's poison, as they say.
Alter Fritz had it right.Comment
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"Thus passes the glory of the world"Originally posted by Demianthedog View Post
alternatively interpreted..
"Thus the mighty fallen"
An appropriate statement.[/quote]
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