[Mike Rockhill]

Once again the allentown show has come and gone and it was IMO worth while. Once again fear has got everyone worrying about sucking up all the ARs, mags and ammo in sight leaving the collectibles for those of us already geared up. The December show is usually pretty weak, but while not jammed packed it was full. Prices on many rifles were down I saw quite a few collectible japanese rifles in the sub $300 range. It was strange yet delightful to see the junk rifles going for over $300...suckers. Anyway there were a few rifles that i had to leave behind as I ran out of funds, but I hope to see them again. I picked up a short push rod 24th kokura from Big Ed, (that was prearranged) and I found one of the 6th series type 99s with the encirled "ke" on the stock. I have always wanted one of these. its ground with m/m safety, but I had to have it for $200. In a quick conversation last night it seems these are found in the 20k range, can anyone add to that, apart from being found on a few type 38s and type I's. The usual crowd was barely there Eric Doody, billb, big ed, and myself. Ed tinker was there too and finally was able to meet him and get a copy of his book, which is pretty neat. all in all great show, with very little competition i the japanese rifle department.

 

[CW]

Neat rifle! Seems like there are quite a few Ke circle rifles out there. Anyone keeping records on these?

 

[Ronin48]

Other than rifles, anything "different," worth noting show up?

 

[Mike Rockhill]

The only other thing I saw was a mess kit with a bullet hole through it, which is cool but not for $85, since you can't prove the seller didn't do it last week. if it had been $40 it might have been worth it. The small presence of japanese collectors this show resulted in nothing being bought during setup or dug up in the dark corners.

 

[Ronin48]

If folks will report the "Ke" observed rifles, series/serial number I'll record and post a report on the Board every three months or so. There was one in the PA collection and I've seen another since. I beleive Zeigler/Blevins had a short article in Banzai on rifles with this mark in their collections some years back.

It's something worth recording, we may find they all fall within a serial number range and might get lucky and get the use/bring back history on one. It's worth a shot.

 

[Mike Rockhill]

These were discussd recently (last 2 months or so) Lets do it, I am all for finding as much out as we can.

 

[Mike Rockhill]

Here is the link o the most recent discussion.

http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?t=69511&highlight=kanji

 

[Edward Tinker]

I picked up some non Japanese items, sold a lot of "smaller" items, largest sell was $600 (point is, folks are being very picky of what they buy).


But overall not a bad show, picked up a few luger mags, a Russian tokerov (import marked for $125), had an opportunity to buy a couple of reasonably priced T14's, one was $395, should have bought it... But I have been "trying" to sell instead of buy this time of year, have too much "stuff". Saw some Japanese binoculars, but the case was in awful shape....


Was good to finally meet Mike, as we'd talked on the forum and via email, but never in person.


Ed

 

[Mike Rockhill]

Ed,
Sorry I didn't get to speak with you a bit longer, but I will see you at the next show. I am enjoying the book by the way, nice job, and thanks for autographing it.

 

[nattcmars]

Edward, was that you selling the 03A3?

 

[Bill B]

I was amazed at the amount of type 2 paratroopers in one building, ranging from dogs to one pretty nice one. Prices were way over priced though. I just missed a nice 3.6 Tokyo Nambu, thats always my luck. One other guy had a 10.2 Nambu, 2 matching mags,rod,and holster for $1900.00 it was in nice condition but not mint. I passed on that price!! Also came across a nice 19.3 in a mint leather Nagoya holster with chromed fittings, rod and cleaning patches, I only wanted the holster.
From my table I watched the Ammo Guy do a amazing amount of ammo sales, just on saturday he sold 84, 1000 round cases of .223, around 40 cases of 5.45x 39, all his 9mm and 45 auto was gone buy 2 o'clock, and most of his other ammo also. On sunday he was leaning against the wall having a nap, didn't take too much for him to pack up and leave when the show was over.
I didn't get to talk to the gang since I had a table, so I didn't get usual dose of Japanese to hold me over.