“The time to buy an antique is when you see it.”  Years ago as I searched the aisles of an antique mall in Richmond, Ind., I would hear that message being played at a low—but perceptible— level. It was just … More »

OMSA, OVMS, MVPA… it’s that time of year when I write out checks for all of my club memberships. With a small stack of check-bearing envelops in hand, I drove to the Post Office before making my 14-mile drive home. … More »

A few days ago, I received a cryptic email that read, “It’s a long time that you have post it…The soldier was my grand father Jacques Heynen (1892-1985). Can you send me the images of the postcard?” Ihonestly didn’t know … More »

It’s that time of year when many turn to groundhogs for weather predictions. Though one of my favorite movies is Groundhog Day, I am not sure I place that much confidence in the little critters’ soothsaying. Regardless of fur-covered proclamations, … More »

“How do you not see it as a moral imperative to get as many of those vehicles to theater as rapidly as you can,” confronted Marine Commandant James Conway in a 2007 press conference. His frustration resulted from Congress’ reluctance … More »

As the Christmas season peaks, charitable giving takes many forms — and the historic military vehicle world is not exempt. Two different instances of “resto-charity” have recently touched my office.   SEASON OF GIVING Many have read about the efforts … More »

In 1914, French Colonel Jean Baptiste Estienne declared soon after German troops invaded Belgium and France, “Victory in this war will belong to the belligerent who is the first to put a cannon on a vehicle capable of moving on … More »

It’s that time of year when loved spouses, family members or close friends ask, “Whattya want for Christmas?” They have good intentions—so why not give them some ideas that you really want instead of just waiting to open another pair … More »

What will be the hot military items in 2014? Trends in the military hobby are not always difficult to predict: Items that soldiers were eager to find as souvenirs have become the hot collectibles today. For example, German Luger pistols … More »

During the past few years, I have cataloged a number of large collections for a few dealers and auctions companies. Though I have had the pleasure of examining a lot of great military relics, one in particular stands out—not for … More »