Charlie and "The Monster"

[falls1944]

Hi, John

Interesting story of a great Man and a pioneer of the FJ collection. Thanks to tell us that.

David

[eubank]

That’s a lovely Sumpf smock John , looking forward to any more pictures of this fine collection if possible ...the fruits of carrying that tripod & gear all that way Great story of a meticulously curated collection. Do you know what/ how Charlie started off collectIng or specialising in the FJ items ? I suppose that white M40 cap would do it as far as the DAK is concerned !

[Sergey K.]

Interesting story and sure he has had many exeptional items. The photo with uniform reminded me about one of mine smocks.. Green step-in with ObFw rank insignia.. Perhaps it's the same one because i've never seen another similar smock before

[Willi Z.]

Charlie was a fine man and a great collector. While I never corresponded with him, I did have the pleasure of spending time with him at 7 or 8 Max Shows. In fact, I have a photo of him with a large group of fellow FJ collectors (and others) in the Bierhalle of the Hofbräuhaus in Pittsburg.

Some of his FJ items went to European collectors during one of the Max Shows. Sergey, I recall the sale of the green step-in and am pretty sure you do indeed have it now.

I helped Charlie sell one of his most fascinating (IMO) items. It was a Kriegsmarine M35 DD in near mint condition which came off of the heavy cruiser "Prinz Eugen". When the warship passed through the Panama Canal in 1946, the Harbor Master received the helmet as a gift. Charlie ended up with that helmet at some point. He asked me who I thought should have that helmet, and I directed him to a friend from NJ. Not sure if he still has it.

Charlie was certainly one of the "wise elders" of the hobby. He selflessly shared his wisdom with many; myself included.

[John Hodgin]

Interesting story and sure he has had many exeptional items. The photo with uniform reminded me about one of mine smocks.. Green step-in with ObFw rank insignia.. Perhaps it's the same one because i've never seen another similar smock before

Sergey, I have seen the photo of your display and I am absolutely certain your M38 was the one Charlie cared for for so many years. As a point of interest, Charlie traded a beautiful K98k sniper for that smock in the 1960s. He was quite proud of that M38 and it was one of his favorite jump smocks. I was in total awe of it when I first saw it in Panama.

Charlie once said, “we are just temporary custodians of our collections. I will eventually want my collection to go to good homes.” It was humbling and exciting to later learn from Charlie that certain pieces, “have your name on them John.” Many of the items Charlie passed on to collectors around the world are historically rare and significant. Since his passing the pieces Charlie shared with me have acquired far greater meaning because they were once Charlie’s; acquired by Charlie, preserved by him, appreciated by him, residing for decades in his care in Panama. Sergey, I hope you will come to regard your M38 in this way.

Though these pieces I remember Charlie and feel close to him. Charlie was not only a dear friend, but also like a second father; a source of wisdom, sage advice, and life lessons. Since his passing not a day has gone by that I do not remember him and miss him, a great man, great collector, and very dear friend. His is deeply missed.

General Bowra, Charlie, and myself at Ft. Bragg, NC in the 1990s.

[John Hodgin]

That’s a lovely Sumpf smock John , looking forward to any more pictures of this fine collection if possible ...the fruits of carrying that tripod & gear all that way Great story of a meticulously curated collection. Do you know what/ how Charlie started off collectIng or specialising in the FJ items ? I suppose that white M40 cap would do it as far as the DAK is concerned !

Hi Anand, IMHO Charlie only "specialized" in the DAK. Charlie collected all branches of combat uniforms and equipment from WWII, he even had some fine Japanese items. His Heer, Waffen SS, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe uniforms were amazing, and because of his personal connection to many German veterans, much of his collection had personal stories behind them. Such as the Heer Hauptmann tunic with a repaired bullet hole through a sleeve. The tunic came from the veteran who was shot in the arm at Stalingrad.

You know the photo of Fj Richard Berg in my book. Berg entertained Charlie in his home; I have Berg's gas mask and bag and his jump trousers. These are among some of the first Fj pieces Charlie acquired.

Then there is this.

[John Hodgin]

First met Charlie when assigned to the Marine Barracks there. George Petersen gave me his name. We would meet every few weeks to have something to eat with our families in town.I have a photo of Charlie, Bob Sevier and I in the bottom of one of the locks being overhauled. A great time and fantastic gentleman.

Tony, great to hear from you! Hope this finds you healthy and doing well! Before Charlie introduced us, he spoke of you often and with great respect. He certainly held you in highest regard, as a friend and as a Marine.
Would love to see that photo of you and Charlie and Bob. Please post it if you are able to. I believe Bob made a lasting impression upon Panama. LOL!

Tony, did Charlie give you one of the "double decal" helmets? I know Pete Hill and Penn T. each received one.

Best regards, John

[John Hodgin]

Out on the locks of the Canal.

[M35]

One of the finest gentlemen I ever met. He was a pleasure to visit with at the shows. The hobby lost a great man when he passed. I cherish the one or two pieces that I got from him.

With respect,
Terry

[eubank]

Thanks John. What an exceptional bandolier ! Charlie sounds the very definition of the collectors collector.

[John Hodgin]

Thanks Terry and Anand.

I should add that one of Charlie’s early collecting contacts was George Petersen. They were friends since the 1960s and Charlie obtained many fine pieces from George.

Charlie also was a long time friend of Dal McGuirk in New Zealand. Both Dal and George discussed history and collecting with Charlie throughout their long friendship.

[Sergey K.]

Sergey, I have seen the photo of your display and I am absolutely certain your M38 was the one Charlie cared for for so many years. As a point of interest, Charlie traded a beautiful K98k sniper for that smock in the 1960s. He was quite proud of that M38 and it was one of his favorite jump smocks. I was in total awe of it when I first saw it in Panama.

Charlie once said, “we are just temporary custodians of our collections. I will eventually want my collection to go to good homes.” It was humbling and exciting to later learn from Charlie that certain pieces, “have your name on them John.” Many of the items Charlie passed on to collectors around the world are historically rare and significant. Since his passing the pieces Charlie shared with me have acquired far greater meaning because they were once Charlie’s; acquired by Charlie, preserved by him, appreciated by him, residing for decades in his care in Panama. Sergey, I hope you will come to regard your M38 in this way.

Though these pieces I remember Charlie and feel close to him. Charlie was not only a dear friend, but also like a second father; a source of wisdom, sage advice, and life lessons. Since his passing not a day has gone by that I do not remember him and miss him, a great man, great collector, and very dear friend. His is deeply missed.

General Bowra, Charlie, and myself at Ft. Bragg, NC in the 1990s.

Thanks for additional info, John
Don't worry I'm a keeper, researcher and collect militaria not because of trendy or business but for my deeply personal interests....The only thing which bothers me that it still displayed on the wall while several manequiens stucked on borders EU/Russia due the virus but hope get them soon and this smock is one of my favourites and will be dressed in first turn.

[Sergey K.]

Also looking on the photo with him, I noticed something like very image_4738885.jpg decent example of DAK para helmet. Any info or photos of that helmet, John ??

[eubank]

That’s one of the 2 of CH’s shown in John’s book i think , I wonder if the other in the book is a few along to it’s left ?

[eubank]

That’s a very unique looking camo m38 on your fine set up Sergey , can you do a thread on it perhaps?