Smokey Mnt Collectors Assoc. Show Report

[Guest Tuco]

I was not sure where to post this but this board looked to be the best bet.

On the 15th-16th we had the Smokey Mountain Gun Collector’s Assoc. show at the Lenoir City National Guard Armory. In the past these Smokey Mnt Shows were the best in the area but for a few years the group fell on some hard times; however, the group is now making a comeback with its goal of once again becoming the best collectors group in the area. The show done over the weekend was another positive step towards this goal as the show was a great success.

Before I get into the show details I wanted to share the following.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Stephen C. Kennedy – Was killed in Iraq on April 4th 2005 and the following is a memorial in his honor. These displays are a great reminder of the price being paid by our soldiers. In the photo in the two displays - This photo was taken hours before he was killed by an IED.

http://forums.gunboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58210&stc=1&d=1205861685

http://forums.gunboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58212&stc=1&d=1205861685

One great part of these shows is always the displays and there were quite a range at the event. These ranged from my Estonian display to one of Chinese Pole Weapons. There was a great collection of SA pistols on display, along with an interesting WW2 US display, a Spanish – American War area (there was a Liberator pistol next to this display from the same person), a pinfire booby trap display was also done. Each of these displays was a bit different and all added to the event. Such displays are a highlight of these shows and more such displays are planned. I am thinking of doing a large Israeli display in the future that would include machine gun emplacements, anti tank positions, and the like. Displays really seem to be popular with those in attendance and also allows collectors to pull out their boxes of “junk” now and again.

Below - Estonian from their Independence War time frame. Also in this display a modern Estonian soldier in current issue BDU's - a Model 1936 tunic from before WW2 - various Estonian manuals - Estonian SS Legion items - Estonian POW patch - 1920's era Hussar photos

http://forums.gunboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58287&d=1205862229

http://forums.gunboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58288&d=1205862229

http://forums.gunboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58290&d=1205862229

I only did one table at the show so it was a bit limited. As the show is not large I wanted to take just one table to free up extra space for dealers. In the future we are going to try and have one room or area just of displays as that would make things much easier.

Rifles - M91 Mosin Nagant, P14, Galil, G3

http://forums.gunboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58296&d=1205862572

http://forums.gunboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58299&d=1205862572

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This was to me the best display at the show as it was so interesting to see these uncommon items. It was funny as the person that did the display told me he almost did not set this up as he felt it was too “odd” for such a show. I am glad he decided to set up as I know that I enjoyed it. I am AMAZED at what sort of items people collect!

http://forums.gunboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58304&d=1205862862

Next to this was a great pinfire booby trap display - The ones on the left were used for animals (I think as an early trap) while those on the right were used for home protection. Very cool.

http://forums.gunboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58243&stc=1&d=1205862849

Edited March 24, 2008 by Tuco

[Guest Tuco]

My friend Chris always has interesting items to display and at this show he brought out some US gear. He also has an outstanding WW1 US collection that he has showed in the past and I hope down the line he decides to show this once again.

[Guest Tuco]

Part of the Spanish American War display - Also the Liberator pistol ---- This was a neat and rare item.

http://forums.gunboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58314&d=1205863341

http://forums.gunboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58316&d=1205863341

[Guest Tuco]

Some of the SA pistols. Those that know the Knoxville area these a part of the display from Mike Holloway - who was a local gunshow promoter for years.

He also owns the pistols used by Kevin Costner in the movie Silverado which will soon be on display at the Cody Museum.

[Guest Tuco]

It was a great weekend. The show was a sell out in regards to tables and we had a large crowd Saturday as well as part of Sunday. The Smokey Mountain Gun Collectors Assoc. is really working to make a fine collector's show for those in the region and as a whole are well on their way to doing this. The shows will only get better in time as we are working to improve upon them.

Lastly - Bill Trent (WLD Bill a moderator on Gunboards.com and my long time friend) and I were added to the Board Of Directors this weekend so rest assured that we are going to make these show military collector friendly. That is one of our main goals as we really want the military collectors to be a part of our future.

[Guest ordonnanzgewehr]

Hi Tuco

Do you have any contact information for the Smoky Mountains Gun Collectors Association?

[Guest Tuco]

Hi Tuco

Do you have any contact information for the Smoky Mountains Gun Collectors Association?

Yes --- You can email me - brent@estonianarms.com and I will assist if I can.