Honor Goblet Quest - Very Disappointing End

[blind pew]

So to wrap this Thread up and bring it to a close I want to say a few things.

First - if I came off like a dick in my response to Brian I want to apologize to all. I just want to do the right thing in seeing this document reunited with the goblet and thought most here would be of the same mindset. I was a little taken aback by the response, but you know, we're all entitled to our opinions and although I may not agree with his recommendations I shouldn't have lashed out. For that - again I apologize.

Second - I did tell the seller to let the current owner know that I was not trying to squeeze blood out of a turnip on the doc and recognized that the state of affairs globally warranted very favorable terms. I would have traded this for next to nothing (relatively speaking), and would offer to buy the goblet at retail if the seller would rather have sold it. Both proposals were discounted with a total lack of interest. This being the case, the suggestion to buy the goblet was not ignored if that's what you were eluding to 101combatvet.

Lastly - the reason I am looking forward to getting out of this hobby is that I have found in 45ish years of serious collecting that what is said, and what is done are usually two completely different things. I have found that money in most cases is the primary motivator behind the decisions that are made by many who say they love history, want to preserve history, etc... We all have our reasons for making the decisions that we do and I guess at the end of the day it isn't worth beating your head against the wall when somebody else's decisions don't fit into what I think is important. So again, Brian and Tom - your points are taken and you're right, I should just move on. It's funny because Tom, you know me better than most on this Forum and know the passion I have for research and getting things right so I'm sure you can appreciate how much this bums me out knowing this goblet is among us, but that these two pieces can't be brought back together.

I appreciate the time you guys have taken to either show your understanding or disagreement, and also to those who have PM'd me with expressions of support. Maybe one day the pieces will find their ways back together, but in the meantime it will probably be going to one of our esteemed members here.

Stay healthy and best regards!

Bob

Don't let the behavior of others affect your interests or actions; I have found in life that most people do not keep the same standards I hold. Now, as I assume initially that people will not behave accordingly, and am pleased when they do, thus I am rarely disappointed! The key to happiness in life is high standards, but low expectations.

Regarding this "reunion". Some are satisfied to have individual items and do not feel the need to acquire several items from the same soldier. To others, this is an affront to history. Keep in mind that different people will have different perceptions of "preserving history" and that adding a document may not be that important to them as it is to you. I, personally, would love to have documents for the goblets I have. Others may not care.

Keep the name of the guy handy. Over time, he may want to get something else and will sell the pokal to you. Additionally, find out what he likes and trade for it in the future. I buff the auctions and keep an eye out for items that I know appeal to others; I generally will sell those items at the purchase price to those collectors, such that I am on their "nice" (rather than "naughty") list so perhaps they will return the favor in the future.

Lastly, keep in mind that there are collectors of all different income groups here. I am fortunate financially, so dropping $5K-$20K here and there on interesting items is not a big deal. To others, spending $500 IS a big deal. I forget that sometimes and try to get a feel for the financial status of the collector; cool things do not necessarily have to expensive. I have several PLMs and large RK groupings; however, some of the coolest things I have (in my mind) are under $100 in value. So you may be dealing with someone who is not in the same income bracket you are (or in a different stage of life), such that "peanuts" for you may be significant for others.

[ebj]

Great thoughts Blind Pew. I began collecting "German war souvenirs" in Jr. High in 1956. The movie "Decision Before Dawn" got me looking for a LW buckle! Over the years I bought, sold and traded. Eventually I decided to focus on a few areas of interest and began researching the history behind those items I accumulated and kept. The results of my efforts have been published in several books on TR militaria.

However, we all obviously have different motives for collecting TR militaria; some over the years for investment, others for the money they can make "buying low and selling high"! Yet others just for the pleasure of holding such items from a quite unique bygone era in their hands and displaying them. That, IMO, is the essence of our "hobby"!

[stgeorge64]

It really makes you wonder sometimes why people get involved in this hobby if they have no interest in preserving the integrity of groupings, or the history of those who served. Bob

Bob, the sad truth is that while some of us do have a genuine interest in preserving the historical element to collecting however, there are many who do not.

As primarily a Luftwaffe document collector and researcher, I do not like to see paperwork sets split and sold for a higher profit margin however, it happens all the time, you can see that on WAF e-stand every day.

It was a genuinly nice touch in your intent to re-unite the Ehrenpokal and Urkunde, alas on this occasion it was not to be.

Regards Richard.

[Dennis J]

Bob, the sad truth is that while some of us do have a genuine interest in preserving the historical element to collecting however, there are many who do not.

As primarily a Luftwaffe document collector and researcher, I do not like to see paperwork sets split and sold for a higher profit margin however, it happens all the time, you can see that on WAF e-stand every day.

It was a genuinly nice touch in your intent to re-unite the Ehrenpokal and Urkunde, alas on this occasion it was not to be.

Regards Richard.

I agree you did the best you could do so now it is time to move on who knows what might happen down the road.I have had this happen many times in my collecting years(62) as said just move on.

Stay Safe
Dennis J

[Waffenreich]

Appreciate the comments gents.

I'll let you know how this ends.

Have a happy and safe Easter!

vr

Bob

[Jon Fish]

I have come across similar circumstances with blood orders and their documents. But what you have to remember is that even though a matching document / medal is the holy grail for many, there are those that either just collect medals and the physical items, and then those that only specialise in paper and documents.
Eventually somewhere down the line these items may come back for sale and opportunities will arise, I’ve seen that happen 30 years apart.