Andrew from Manion's on History Detectives

Hello again.

Many friends and customers have let me know they have indeed seen the first episode of History Detectives season VII - staring yours truly - in the "War Dog Letter" segment.

I contacted them over a year ago about a military grouping was consigned with the auction. The lot consisted of numerous photographs and documents relating to canine service during WWII. Much of the material was concerned with, interestingly enough, training on "Cat Island". I found a document which referred to a "Mr. Prestre" - apparently some sort of world renown dog trainer. The letter spoke of an investigation involving Prestre, and it sounded like he was in a world of trouble.

After a bit of research, I stumbled on a Google book listing for 1942 - The Year that Tried Men's Souls. It gave me a bit more information about Prestre, but it was really all I was able to find on the subject. I also contacted a historical society around Gulfport, Mississippi (Cat Island is off the coast of Gulfport), but they didn't have much for me - other than they did know that some men who were stationed on the island during WWII were still living in the area.

The resources available to me were tapped, so I contacted Lion Television - the company which produces History Detectives for PBS. I told them I thought it would make good TV and they agreed. I let them know what I had learned during my own history detective work, received permission from the consignor to send the documents, and off they went.

Several months later, I was booked on a flight to Virginia (Richmond, I think) for a day of shooting with Tukufu Zuberi and the rest of the Lion TV crew. We shot my segment in a house belonging to a relative of a crew member - everyone who has seen the program has commented on how nice "my house" is. I suspect they were able to shoot there for free (they are working for PBS afterall), and it was close to the current day dog training facility where they were also working.

Those familiar with the show know that in the first part of the segment the host asks a bit about the artifact in question, then goes off on a fact finding mission, and reports back to the inquirer some time later with the results of the investigation. Those familiar with video production know this all actually takes place in one day - at leat the questioning and reporting. Most of the research had been done before we filmed that day. But that is how it is done, and it still makes for damn fine television.

At any rate, it was a year in the making and it's finally aired. I've been advised that our Kansas City station will air the episode again in September - check with your local station for showimes in your area. Or, you can watch it here: Manion's International Auction House on History Detectives.

Oh yes, the grouping is currently up for bid - you can read the description here: WWII canine training "Cat Island" photos and documents. If the link won't work, just visit the home page - www.manions.com - and click the banner in the center of the page. The auction closes 7/28 and the reserve is set at a modest $500

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Manion's Militaria Field Trip

When your hobby becomes your job, it is easy to forget how much you previously enjoyed the pursuit. I think everyone at Manion's International Auction House, at least those of us who collect militaria, can relate. When you see more, say WWII squadron painted A2 Flight Jackets , in a week than most collectors will see in their lifetime, it loses a bit of the magic. Couple this with collecting and distributing funds from the sale of said item as a third party - and working hard to keep the lights on - and you've taken it to a totally different place than it began. But, all in all, it's not a bad problem to have . . .

Last week, however, we were treated to something special.

A longtime customer of our militaria auction decided to show his appreciation by inviting us into his home. Not just one or two of us - but everyone, 20 some people at one time. And we're not just talking footlockers and plastic tubs full of olive drab and feldgrau, and not just a suited out mannequin or two. This advanced collector, who works as a general contractor during the day, has transformed a very large section of his basement (which happens to be as large as this writer's entire house) into a reflection of a WWII British Pub.

It was quite an impressive endeavor. Even more impressive was his expression of sincere appreciation regarding our daily efforts running the world's largest militaria related auction house. We were treated to a barbecue feast, and the Boulevard Beer was flowing freely. It was a nice little outing, and as much as he appreciated our endeavors . . . we appreciated seeing what he had done.

Manion's on History Detectives - Season VII

Hello all.

Things have been so busy here at the ol' M ranch that the poor little Manion's Collecting News blog has been neglected - such is life in the blogosphere, eh?

At any rate, yours truly will be on History Detectives this season with my episode airing this Monday, June 22 and certainly to be repeated at some point during the summer. Here's a trailer of Season 7 - if you pay attention, you'll catch a glimpse of my mug. Check it out - and be sure to check www.manions.com frequently as the actual grouping they researched will be up for bid!

Hamburg Express

Hello again, readers.

We just received a couple of big ol' pallets of consignment from consignors in Germany and elsewhere in Europe - all coordinated by our man in the field, Ralf Gantzel. Looks like there is a lot of good stuff: uniforms, field gear, helmets, photos, documents - and more and more. Plus, we'll be bringing back consignment from the Kansas City show this weekend, and eight of us are going to pack up an estate - with many collectibles: firearms, historic books from the 1800s (and some before), toys, and some other things as well.

So, make sure to check the site often - especially in the next week or two - for TONS OF NEW ITEMS!

Also, the guy in the picture? That's our man Brett. He just retired from two decades of service with the US Army, and he's joined our Manion's team. He really knows his stuff and is a heck of a good guy. He's planning on attending some shows in the near future, so you'll have the chance to meet him soon.

Everyman's War and GI Film Festival

Hello readers and militaria collectors.

I just found out about what appears to be a great new WWII movie: Everyman's War. Check out the trailer posted below. In the process of learning about this new film, it lead me to information about the GI Film Festival, which will be held THIS WEEK, May 13-17 in Washington DC. Wish I could make it, here's a link to their site: http://gifilmfestival.com/. There's always next year . . .

HR 45 - New Gun Control Legislation - educate yourself now

A Google news search regarding HR 45 proposed new gun control legislation returns very few major results, and I've posted the text for a couple, as well as links, below. Without sounding too "conspiratorial" I find it curious there has not been more written to date . . .

Who is to say exactly what will happen with HR 45, and it is currently in the beginning stages of the legislative process so time will tell. However, now is the time to learn as much as you can about the proposed gun control legislation.

• Portland Civil Rights Examiner

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." ~ Second Amendment - The Bill of Rights

Well, one cannot be surprised to see this Bill come to the House of Representatives. When Democrats took control of congress in 2006 and began setting up their plans, waiting for a Democrat in the White House who would sign their legislation, those who were watching knew gun control would not be far behind any socialist spending spree they got away with. Now here it is: HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009. So far, this legislation is flying under the radar, and Democrats in Congress are hoping that it remains that way.

This bill is an underhanded attempt to eliminate the constitutional right to ownership of Firearms. It would require that all gun owners be licensed. It requires a thumb print, a universal background check, a Passport quality photo. But wait, there’s more: “any firearm owned by the applicant safely stored and out of the possession of persons who have not attained 18 years of age”, in other words, a gun safe.

Wait, we're not done yet, you must pass a written firearms exam, you must release any and all mental health examinations and records. Firearms must be purchased from a licensed dealer, licensing to sell is of course at the discretion of the Attorney General and the seller must be licensed as well. Then there is the 25$ fee, and then you can get your license to own a firearm. Fail to do any of these things and you can not own a gun. You will have to renew your license as well. When you can finally exercise your constitutional right to buy a gun, the gun dealer or seller must provide the following:

(1) the manufacturer of the firearm;

(2) the model name or number of the firearm;

(3) the serial number of the firearm;

(4) the date on which the firearm was received by the transferee;

(5) the number of a valid firearm license issued to the transferee under title I of this Act; and

(6) the name and address of the individual who transferred the firearm to the transferee.

It gets better yet; the United States Attorney General has 9 months after this act passes to create the Federal Record of Sale System. This is the juicy part: SEC. 202. FIREARM RECORDS (c) Elimination of Prohibition on Establishment of System of Registration- Section 926(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking the second sentence. You see, right now, this act is Illegal in the United States, so they have to repeal that part of the US code.

The Federal Government has absolutely no Constitutional authority to regulate fire arms, or their sale. The Second Amendment states that the people have the right to bear arms, mostly so they could overthrow an oppressive government such as the British in the 1770’s. An unarmed population is at the utter mercy of an armed population. That is a simple truth. If any Government has the authority to regulate Firearms it is the individual states, not the federal government.

This brings us to a discussion once again of an out of control federal government stomping all over the constitution and our civil rights. If we the people allow this bill to become law…. We will have lost just about every protection we as citizens have against an oppressive country, and the last vestiges of our freedom will truly be gone. You won’t even be able to go elk hunting, or skeet shooting, or chucker hunting without the OK from the Federal Government.

The full text of this bill can be found here: OpenCongress.org

Oh, one last little fact to make us all feel warm and fuzzy: SEC. 801. INAPPLICABILITY TO GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES. This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall not apply to any department or agency of the United States, of a State, or of a political subdivision of a State, or to any official conduct of any officer or employee of such a department or agency.

The only entity that will be allowed to own firearms without licensing or registration, will be the Government.

Do not for an instant think this is about lowering crime, its about making it as difficult as possible to own or purchase a firearm. It is about making it a criminal offense, punishable by law, to own a firearm in the United States with out an OK from the Federal Government.

Bills like these in a Democrat Congress should concern everyone. Though it is not scheduled to get a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee the Bill's Author Rep. Bobby Rush from Chicago Il. 1st. District reintroduced the bill Jan 6, 2009. As of 2/9/2009 the bill was Referred to House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

To contact your Represenative in the House on this or any other matter:

List Of State Represenatives http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml#or

• American Daily Review

By Douglas V. Gibbs

The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed - Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

There are many myths about guns floating around out there that are perpetuated by the Liberal Left. Contrary to their opinion, must gun violence is not caused by automatic weapons, increased gun control does not cut down on crime, and the federal government does not have the right to limit gun ownership in any way, shape, or form.

HR 45, also known as the Blair Holt Firearm Licensing and Record of Sales Act of 2009, is a gun control bill by the Democrats that is in direct conflict with the U.S. Constitution. In short, the bill would make it illegal to own a firearm unless it is registered, you are fingerprinted, you supply a current Driver’s License, you supply your social security number, you submit to a physical and mental evaluation at any time of their choosing, and you report and pay a fee for any change of ownership. Any failure to do any of the above automatically kills your right to own a firearm, and you will be subject to a year in jail. The child provision clause also requires you to keep the gun locked in the home (oh, yeah, if someone breaks into my home I will have plenty of time to go to the other room, unlock the case, pull out the weapon, load it, and beat the criminal to the punch…). Also, the government would have the right to show up at your door and inspect that you are storing your gun as required (sounds oppressive to me).

Historically, when a government demands mandatory registration of weapons, it isn’t very long before they confiscate them. Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and China are great examples of that.

If an individual state, based on the vote of the people, desires to put restrictions on gun ownership in the regards to registration, or whatever, it is completely okay for them to do so from a Constitutional standpoint. However, the federal government cannot make any law that infringes on the ownership of a firearm. Period. Read the Second Amendment at the top of this article again, if you don’t comprehend that.

And understand, there is no place in the U.S. Constitution that says federal government trumps or supercedes state law. So, if a state has few laws regarding the registration of a weapon, the federal government cannot create a law that overrides the state law on the issue. This is because, as stated by the U.S. Constitution, gun ownership is not a federal issue. The issue belongs to the states. The federal government, as the 2nd amendment states, cannot infringe upon the right to keep and bear arms.

Let me repeat: It is unconstitutional for the federal government to place any restrictions of any kind on the private ownership of firearms. And the commerce clause is not applicable when it comes to using it to explain federal actions regarding restricting in any way the private ownership of firearms.

This means that HR 45 is unconstitutional, as is any other federal law regarding the private ownership of firearms.

And remember, criminals prefer their victims unarmed. An armed individual, however, is not a victim. An armed individual is a citizen.