UBB.threads
Posted By: Sepp Where is Houston been??? - 05/14/2011 02:12 PM
Just wondering what happened to him, have not seen a post of his in quite sometime. I enjoy reading his posts??

Sepp
Posted By: sturmbrigade Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/15/2011 01:15 AM
I believe this may have something to do with his absence:

http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=506419
Posted By: Sepp Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/15/2011 01:20 AM
WOW...Don't know what to say...
Posted By: Skynyrd Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/15/2011 05:31 AM
Well well, Houston, a common dagger pimp ,,, And a retired law enforcement officer at that.
Decent ethics are turning into a rare commodity these days.
Posted By: Robert H. Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/15/2011 05:14 PM
isn't he also the trusty security chief or so for the MAX show?
Posted By: sellick8302@rogers.com Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/15/2011 06:14 PM
well well....I have been accused by Houston for returning a totally fake Luftwaffe visor to him two Max shows ago...showed it to Shea and Stezelberger and many others just to prove to Houston that it was bad...(yes I know Luft visors well but I never handled it as it was mailed to me) When I returned it after showing Houston why it was "bad" he shook his head, swore and called me nuts...and I am sure this has been used as another reason to attack MY credibility on this very forum..the hat was then offerred for sale 5 minutes later on his table....where is he to defend himself and where are his forum "friends" now????
Posted By: Baz69 Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/15/2011 06:34 PM
I thought this particular forum is for talking about and showing hunting/forestry and shooting association hirschfängers and related items, I have nothing against your freedom of speech but this is not the place for this particular thread and Yes I am aware that this forum is named after Houston, we need to stick to daggers, I believe this thread needs to be placed somewhere else, certainly not closed down though.

Gary
Posted By: Dave Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/15/2011 07:47 PM
I've moved this here.

Post comments positive or negative but please avoid insults and personal attacks.

Thanks,
Dave
Posted By: Jon Fish Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/15/2011 08:31 PM
Dissapointing if its true. Shoddy behaviour from someone well regarded in the hobby.
Posted By: Robert H. Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/15/2011 09:05 PM
I think as well he was on the board of experts from Ex-Empire
Actions.
Posted By: fatguy Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/15/2011 11:24 PM
I have dealt with Houston for many years with no problems... This is very unfortunate to hear.....
Posted By: Sepp Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/16/2011 12:26 AM
If any of this is true...I just don't understand WHY??? It can't be just to make a few dollars?
I only asked the question...thinking he might be sick or something,this sure was not the "something"
I thought I would hear.

Sepp

0292 Gold
Posted By: Robert H. Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/16/2011 02:33 AM
I for my part with the only view things I bought from him I never got an issue with him.
Posted By: wotan Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/16/2011 11:32 AM
Although I personally did not buy anything from Houston I got to know him as a very polite and generous collector friend once helping me to gain and deliver an item I otherwise could not get.
Still glad having got this item and thankfully for his unselfish help.
Regards,
Posted By: JohnZ Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/16/2011 03:08 PM
As with any dealer that I have dealt with over the years, I have bought stuff from Houston and I have returned stuff to Houston. Actually, as with all my dealer dealings, I have bought way more items than I have returned.

While Houston was not at all happy when I returned (the 2 items that I remember returning), he did take them back and he did have no issues refunding my money. Of course, like many people when you return items to them, he took this as a challenge to his knowledge and his reputation.

Everyone makes mistakes, even the acknowledged experts. How mistakes are handled determines the character of the person. So, while annoyed with me and questioning my lack of judgment and, after trying to talk me out of it, both items went back and we stayed cordial. Of course, I did not use our difference in opinion as to the items in question as an attack.

I respect Houston's knowledge and his abilities and he has always helped when when I asked him to.

I am disappointed by what I saw, did not hear his side of it and am not prepared to write off a man of his skills, abilities and caring over one incident, not matter how it looks.

John
Posted By: Jim W Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/16/2011 03:35 PM
I remember buying a high end item from Houston. When it arrived, I did not like it. It was as described, the photos were accurate. Everything was as he stated. The only reason I wanted to return it was because, "I did not like it".

I received a three word response. "Send it back."

While I am not sure what the speculation is about the SS dagger, I do know I will not hesitate to deal with Houston again.
Posted By: Mikee Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/16/2011 06:00 PM
I think the majority would agree that Houston is without a doubt one of our most valued and respected members. He has always been helpful and without hesitation ready and willing to freely share his knowledge with us all. He has helped members and non-members alike from literally loosing their shirts. I'm not so quick to judge and if in fact their is a dispute,I'm sure it can be resolved.
Posted By: anonymous 123 Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/16/2011 10:09 PM
Now Ron Weinand just put up a timely ad in the for sale forum! grin
Jim
Posted By: Dave Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/16/2011 10:44 PM
Jim,

I am not sure I understand what you are trying to say.
Posted By: bushido Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/17/2011 12:23 AM
"Dagger and Sword Parts" . . . used for just what is being discussed, the refurbishing of a dagger or sword that needs any of those parts . . . but what is Houston's side of the story? Dealer or not, I'd still expect to see him innocent until it is proven otherwise.
Posted By: anonymous 123 Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/17/2011 12:36 AM
Dave:
Look in the For Sale Section of GDC at the items Ron W. just put up and my previous post will make sense. What an impeccable sense of timing Ron has!! grin
Jim
Posted By: Gaspare Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/17/2011 03:28 AM
Well I guess if you had a broken piece on your dagger it'd be great to get the part.
But where does it stop,, replace because something is worn? replace because the next piece makes it rarer?
Collectors and dealers have been humping up daggers since the beginning of the hobby. Times are tough now,,dealers need to make money,,there is a finite amount of pieces out there,,guess some think ,or try, to get over..

Do the dagger collectors really think most of the daggers vets brought back were in great condition?? Don't they know the 2 biggest dagger gurus have draws and draws full of parts.
Posted By: Earl (Rick) Schreiber Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/17/2011 05:20 AM
Just read this post. I think of Houston as a friend and have dealt with him for years with no problem. He is what i think of as a good guy. If there is a problem he will take care of it. I dont think we have gotten the full story. Last time i talk with Houston he wasnt getting on here as much as he used to (im guilty of that myself) and im sure when he checks back on here he will explain what is going on.
Posted By: PAULZAYA Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/17/2011 08:08 AM
i just want to say, that houston, is a friend and rick has expressed my my exact feelings.he has helped us collectors way more than most other biggies in the hobby. paul
Posted By: bill stiffler Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/17/2011 02:13 PM
I bought several daggers from Houston at the max shows over the years. The only problem i have with him is if he doesn't know you he is not exactly mr. cheerful when you try to talk to him. As far as dagger tune ups they all do it and i never had any of them disclose it to me unless i bring it up.
Posted By: Dave Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/17/2011 10:49 PM
This software does not let me move individual posts to other threads. Sorry. In the morning I'm going to take out the pistol stuff and associated posts. If you want to start a thread on that Luger, Jim, go ahead. Might be interesting.


Till then, I'm closing it. Write your thoughts down so you can post in the morning.
Posted By: Dave Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/18/2011 02:14 PM
OK back open. I've removed the Luger stuff and associated replies. Also one I judged to be more of an insult than a contribution to this topic.

Dave
Posted By: Skynyrd Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/18/2011 07:12 PM
Kinda hard to gauge what a "contribution" is when you can't even voice the opinion that turning legit historical relics into part daggers to turn a $ shows questionable ethics.
Posted By: Houston Coates Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/18/2011 09:01 PM
Sorry, but I am not going to get into a water contest with any "big time" collectors who just love to bash dealers with their lies using stolen, unauthorized and altered photos and anything else they can conjure up with their room full of computers.They just love to have their names up in print. Believe me there are plenty of counter charges I could make against these babies but I just don't have time to provide the entertainment. I have helped many of you in the past also saving many of you thousands of dollars with my FREE collector's guide. Who else has provided such a thing? Please keep that in mind while reading this. Thanks, and thanks for all who have written supporting posts. That's all I have to say.
Posted By: Sepp Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/19/2011 12:30 AM
Houston, Thats it? When I started this post, I said I really enjoyed reading your comments, and wondered if you were OK. Well, I did not enjoy that one...In all the post I have read about you from 2002...I have NEVER once seen where you were not willing to give advice on any question asked.I'm sure you saved alot of people, alot of $.

But these people are saying you humped up these daggers,never told them,and then, when they confronted you about it,you denied doing it. If it is not true: "DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH BASHING YOUR GOOD NAME" Of all the post you have written on this site...I thought you were the kind of guy that "didn't pull punches"..."no smoke and mirrors" with you...Then you call them babies, just like to see their names up in print???

Well give them what they like...expose them for what they really are...don't let these guys do this to you!


Sepp

GDC 0292 Gold
Posted By: Fitzer Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/19/2011 03:39 AM
I've purchased some quality pieces at good prices from Houston with no issues. Like Sepp says I value his judgement and comments and he has certainly saved me alot of $ when I first started collecting. Personally, I don't see why Houston is being nailed to the cross for this and why so many people are joining the hate brigade. I for one know I have sold pieces to some highly regarded sellers and have witnessed the alterations as they are resold on their sites as 'untouched'. Sure its a hobby based on reputation but after all his guidance based on years of experience I think we ought to cut him slack. IMO

Posted By: Earl (Rick) Schreiber Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/19/2011 05:53 AM
Im glad Houston isnt going to jump into the fray.These things also turn into mud sling, name calling, bad feeling etc. If you have ever dealt with Houston you know him and his reputation as a pretty good guy, but i will have to agree with whoever said he was kind of brusk when you first meet him, but after you get to know him he is a lot more easy going,lol.But i have found most of the major dealer are that way at first.
Posted By: Sepp Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/19/2011 09:41 AM
Fitzer,you wrote:

"I have sold pieces to some highly regarded sellers and have witnessed the alterations as they are resold on their sites as 'untouched'"

I don't live with my head in the sand...I know this goes on, swap this, swap that...BUT,If I were to buy something from...I don't care from who, and I found out he, or she did this Stuff...without my knowledge...that would be the last time they would get any of my money!!!

You Wrote:
Sure its a hobby based on reputation but after all his guidance based on years of experience I think we ought to cut him slack. IMO

Cut Him slack??? If he in fact he did do this (again not saying he did,but if) he deserves NO SLACK in my book, Most people who I see on this site,and others,DO NOT want a parts dagger,they want it untouched
Id also say maybe 50%(there are alot of real smart people on this site) of these people could tell if it has been Humped up for sale or not. Most people are just looking for a fair shake,and don't want to be screwed over,doing something they really enjoy doing for most its just a hobby.

This is the last post for me on this subject,I really hope he responds to this stuff,and clears his good name. I know he says he does not want to ...but sometimes you have to fight fire with fire.
Good luck whatever you decide to do Houston.

Regards
Sepp

GDC 0292 Gold
Posted By: charlie Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/19/2011 02:00 PM
I believe Houston has answered the charges (in his own short, to the point way)by the stolen, unauthorized, altered photos reply. I have purchased many daggers from Houston and always (and still do) feel he is one of the best and most reliable guys to deal with. Charlie
Posted By: Gailen David Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/19/2011 06:07 PM
Well, all I can say is that I have known him over 30 years and never knew him to do anything unethical. So, I just don't know what's going on or what to say.


Gailen David
Posted By: Fred Prinz - FP Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/19/2011 07:53 PM
If the situation evolved as was reported on the other forum, the only ones who know for sure what was said are Houston and the other parties present. I wasn’t there, and don’t know what happened beyond what was said on that forum and here.

As for the dagger itself, it does not look to me like the images were altered. And I reached the same conclusion as JR that it was the same dagger in a series of before and after images. With the additional observation that the pommel nut also might have been either replaced, or over torqued. Causing rounded flats/corners seen in two of the post transformation images. FP
Posted By: Fitzer Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/20/2011 12:50 AM
Sepp,you wrote:

I don't live with my head in the sand...I know this goes on, swap this, swap that...BUT,If I were to buy something from...I don't care from who, and I found out he, or she did this Stuff...without my knowledge...that would be the last time they would get any of my money!!!

I actually wasn't talking to you specifically. Anyway the fact is you don't know and you've probably unknowingly purchased some pieces that have been altered. Sure if you know stay clear, but in this case (and as you say "If he in fact he did do this (again not saying he did,but if)") you don't know so give him some slack cool



Posted By: Garrett Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/20/2011 01:36 AM
So as I read these discussions, did he get caught doctoring up a dagger or was it error on the collectors part?
Guess most of us won't know, Houston knows!
Buyer beware, as usual in the hobby.
Posted By: Gaspare Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/20/2011 04:41 AM
you got it,,don't trust anybody, any story, any item.....
Posted By: JohnZ Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/20/2011 02:51 PM
Gaspare:

Heck, I don't even trust myself. wink

John
Posted By: Ed Martin Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/20/2011 03:36 PM
If a vet swapped a blade, handle ,or scabbard in the field when he picked the piece up does that make it original ????? laugh
Posted By: Fred Prinz - FP Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/20/2011 06:06 PM
Originally Posted By: Ed Martin
If a vet swapped a blade, handle ,or scabbard in the field when he picked the piece up does that make it original ????? laugh

Ed, It might be original as to the veteran who assembled such a combination. But it is not a factory original any more than the guy who chrome plates the German Luger pistol that he picked up.

And if we completely omit any of the statements made anywhere, and for the moment take them out of the equation. We still have a date and time stamped Internet record of an SS dagger presented for discussion on 10 - 3 - 2010. With on 4 - 2 - 2011, the exact same dagger reappearing with swapped out parts and a re-polished blade. FP
Posted By: Ed Martin Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/20/2011 07:14 PM
I did mean that as a pun thus the smiley face.I remember looking at a vet trophy a Luft with an Army scabbard
Posted By: Fred Prinz - FP Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/20/2011 08:16 PM
Ed, Smiley face noted, and there is no question that on occasion the GI’s themselves fooled around with various and sundry items. FP
Posted By: Landser Re: Where is Houston been??? - 05/24/2011 11:04 PM
I had also wondered why I had not seen any recent postings by Houston yet did not like to ask why. I have dealt with Houston several times and anything I got from him I was very pleased with. His contribution to this forum and the hobby in general over the years is immeasurable. Speak as you find I say and that is all I have to comment.
Posted By: Oleg1 Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/05/2011 04:41 AM
IMO there is no smoke without a fire. That is another good reason why I am getting out of collecting daggers and collecting guns now.
Posted By: Ronald Weinand Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/05/2011 06:49 PM
I always harken back to the age old comment: "Buy the piece, not the story!" If the pictures weren't posted and the dagger was offered sans story, would it have sold?
Posted By: Rich Yankowski Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/05/2011 07:11 PM
Originally Posted By: Oleg1
IMO there is no smoke without a fire. That is another good reason why I am getting out of collecting daggers and collecting guns now.


If you don't believe that guns haven't been fooled around with like daggers have been,then you're in for a rude awakening.
Posted By: WW2-Collector Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/05/2011 08:35 PM
The biggest problem for me is the swapping of parts and not disclosing it very dishonest and quite frankly sickening for someone of Coats status in the hobby not the first time he has been caught doing this. I know none of my money will be going his direction.
Posted By: Oleg1 Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/05/2011 09:37 PM
Originally Posted By: Rich Yankowski
Originally Posted By: Oleg1
IMO there is no smoke without a fire. That is another good reason why I am getting out of collecting daggers and collecting guns now.


If you don't believe that guns haven't been fooled around with like daggers have been,then you're in for a rude awakening.


It is true, but it is much less guessing with the guns, than with the daggers IMO
Posted By: cog-hammer Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/07/2011 03:04 PM
Originally Posted By: Oleg1

It is true, but it is much less guessing with the guns, than with the daggers IMO


Good luck, man i tell ya you will find the same group of "Lackies" inhabit gun dealing and collecting. more humped guns than you can imagine. you think silly pointy things are bad just wait till your not sure if thats locking block should be in he white,is that FrankJ attwood stamp sanded slightly? is that ac 45 legit with all matching or non mmatching?? has the import mark been removed?? what letter block(s) did the mags stop being numbered to the gun?? has the russian dip been removed?? lots more than meets the eye. oh ya got about 5 mins to decided the guy behind you just wants 1 WWII gun and he like the one for 600 bucks your looking at. is it a 2500$ gun or had an armours barrel added and re stamped. now ya got 4 mins. the guy is fubling with his wad of hundreds telling his buddy he going to get a nice holster for it also. no stress.
I walk into a small gun shop unknown to me is the gun many want but never find Norwegian 11.25 mm dated 1942 black painted grips every part is numbered on these well about. its 1000 bucks and changs thats a good deal. I'm at the hobby about 3 years at that time. what do ya do. The grail in front of me....run and shoot or or run and hide.Looking at all the pictures of german occupied norwegian 45's should have helped right??? NO!.... hands on, length of time and books I find I know less than I think i do eveyday!!!!! the good guys who love guns will tell you the same story as they do here. its a jungle out there buyer beware.
Bret Van Sant
Posted By: Denny Gaither Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/07/2011 04:34 PM
Originally Posted By: cog-hammer
Originally Posted By: Oleg1

It is true, but it is much less guessing with the guns, than with the daggers IMO


Good luck, man i tell ya you will find the same group of "Lackies" inhabit gun dealing and collecting. more humped guns than you can imagine. you think silly pointy things are bad just wait till your not sure if thats locking block should be in he white,is that FrankJ attwood stamp sanded slightly? is that ac 45 legit with all matching or non mmatching?? has the import mark been removed?? what letter block(s) did the mags stop being numbered to the gun?? has the russian dip been removed?? lots more than meets the eye. oh ya got about 5 mins to decided the guy behind you just wants 1 WWII gun and he like the one for 600 bucks your looking at. is it a 2500$ gun or had an armours barrel added and re stamped. now ya got 4 mins. the guy is fubling with his wad of hundreds telling his buddy he going to get a nice holster for it also. no stress.
I walk into a small gun shop unknown to me is the gun many want but never find Norwegian 11.25 mm dated 1942 black painted grips every part is numbered on these well about. its 1000 bucks and changs thats a good deal. I'm at the hobby about 3 years at that time. what do ya do. The grail in front of me....run and shoot or or run and hide.Looking at all the pictures of german occupied norwegian 45's should have helped right??? NO!.... hands on, length of time and books I find I know less than I think i do eveyday!!!!! the good guys who love guns will tell you the same story as they do here. its a jungle out there buyer beware.
Bret Van Sant


YEAH, WHAT BRET SAID!!
Posted By: sellick8302@rogers.com Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/08/2011 05:54 PM
I will say this.......we all know people swap and refurbish and/or restore....that is a given...having said this there are certain and specific dealers who will disclose this information if they are aware of it or if they have performed it and there are many who will not. All is done in the name of profit. There are many dealers who will offer items that have been given the thumbs down but will argue that "no one knows for certain" in some instances they are right and opinions are like...well you know...this hobby is not yet a "free for all" the consensus of opinion should still count for something and I personally consider it to be obtuse and an an insult to all by saying basically "whatever...go jump in a creek"...I think that it is more a matter of one getting caught that was held in high esteem and the response that was given...similiar to Congressman Weiner's initial response.. I know many decent dealers in this hobby over the past 30 years who had good reputations and who sold decent items who later were found to have "issues"..as items dried up and profit became the over riding factor.What has to be decided here is a moral and ethical question...at the end of the day do you care if someone refurbishes or restores without disclosure? To answer this question one must put themselves in the position of the buyer paying premium prices for an item and discovering beyond a doubt that the person selling it to them did so with the knowledge that the piece was enhanced to make it marketable and to enhance profit. It is far easier to say that it doesn't matter when you are not the one stuck holding a repainted or replated dagger with a replaced blade and fitting etc...is it okay to upgreade an identical Luftwaffe Dagger blade for one that is mint and without runner marks or moisture damage??..We restore furniture, artwork and automobiles without issue so why not daggers?? Interesting question. cheers, Ryan
Posted By: sturmbrigade Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/10/2011 12:46 PM
we can all speculate on what has been parted out and what has not, we all know it can and will happen. But in this instance the facts are that the 'parting' ocured without disclosure by a MAX certified dealer. If we cant trust them what hope is there for the hobby?????
Posted By: reichstall Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/10/2011 06:09 PM
well that thread has taken a bit to read.I follow both forum and the big thing seems to be can we trust the dealers .I admit there seem to be some real high end stuff appering as of latley.But in truth can you change human nature.We are driving by greed .No one person will admit it but we see a wonderful ss had a steal of a deal from some dead gi estate first thing and i mean the first thing i better get that before some one else does.Not oh I will wait a day or I should call someone and say hey i found a dagger over here i dont want it you should buy it.Well dealers are the same .Do they alter yep will they admit it nope.I am not saying every one does cause well i dont know know but as stated on the other fourm if you got burnt and can prove it post your side allow the other to defend them self if they don't well that kinda says it.As in the case of mr. houston I have never dealt with him I have talked with him Seems like a very pleasent person.I do not feel he defend his side on line on either forum so If i am asked to pass judgement I say Guilty as charged he did have ample time to respond.Now on to his penelty I think it is said and done mr. houston please contiue to give us your knowledge and wisdom as such you know contiue to do business please sir no more of this.Gentleman nothing speaks loudier than money if you don't like a such dealer easy don't spend with them they will be gone in a very short time we all gotta eat .By the way I don't give a damn about spelling or grammer so don't bust my chops over it. my two cent
Posted By: signalman Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/14/2011 01:56 AM
Mr. Houston was in Louisville this weekend, I bought something from him, not a dagger, and was very pleased with this purchase.

Good Collecting, signalman
Posted By: Serge (aka Wagner) Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/14/2011 07:49 AM
Originally Posted By: Oleg1
IMO there is no smoke without a fire. That is another good reason why I am getting out of collecting daggers and collecting guns now.


Oh Really?
Well I know guys in the gun hobby and they tell me it's worse than ever. Many are getting out. They tell me places like where you like to shop (Big-Mid-west Gun auction house) are loaded with humped up guns. fake Luger carbines done up from 1900 model, pentographed Luger contracts from every country . Done up sniper rifles, Winchesters, Colt 45's...and yes even the cases. Himmler PPK, Von Papen Gold Lugers, Grey-Ghosts, Black-widows, Dual-tones, phosphate - you name it.
They have the rust blue down to 'state-of-the-art' ask Jim M.

A friend of mine who's been in the gun hobby for 50 years is getting out. He told me recently; "you know, 35-40 years ago I used to put a 'Carbine'(Luger) out on a table at a show and there would be a swarm of guys around my table. Now I put one out and nobody even stops to look."
My friend also told me about a newbie Luger collector he knows who got swindeled $600,000+ on humped up GL Lugers. he went to court, cost over $300,000 got A JUDGEMENT BUT WILL NEVER GET ANY CASH.

You think it's a 'good investment'?
Twenty years ago the Ackerman .45cal. U.S. Test Luger was touted as the 'Million dollar Luger'. At auction last year it didn't even bring $500,000.

Listen what Bret and others say about the current 'Gun Hobby'. We are no spring chickens, my first Gun show was in 1968 or was it 69? Back then you could see the reground and restamped parts and smell the 'cold blue' - dem were the Good Ole Days.- laugh

-serge-

Posted By: ajax Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/14/2011 09:14 AM
Originally Posted By: Serge (aka Wagner)
Originally Posted By: Oleg1
IMO there is no smoke without a fire. That is another good reason why I am getting out of collecting daggers and collecting guns now.


Oh Really?
Well I know guys in the gun hobby and they tell me it's worse than ever. Many are getting out. They tell me places like where you like to shop (Big-Mid-west Gun auction house) are loaded with humped up guns. fake Luger carbines done up from 1900 model, pentographed Luger contracts from every country . Done up sniper rifles, Winchesters, Colt 45's...and yes even the cases. Himmler PPK, Von Papen Gold Lugers, Grey-Ghosts, Black-widows, Dual-tones, phosphate - you name it.
They have the rust blue down to 'state-of-the-art' ask Jim M.

A friend of mine who's been in the gun hobby for 50 years is getting out. He told me recently; "you know, 35-40 years ago I used to put a 'Carbine'(Luger) out on a table at a show and there would be a swarm of guys around my table. Now I put one out and nobody even stops to look."
My friend also told me about a newbie Luger collector he knows who got swindeled $600,000+ on humped up GL Lugers. he went to court, cost over $300,000 got A JUDGEMENT BUT WILL NEVER GET ANY CASH.

You think it's a 'good investment'?
Twenty years ago the Ackerman .45cal. U.S. Test Luger was touted as the 'Million dollar Luger'. At auction last year it didn't even bring $500,000.

Listen what Bret and others say about the current 'Gun Hobby'. We are no spring chickens, my first Gun show was in 1968 or was it 69? Back then you could see the reground and restamped parts and smell the 'cold blue' - dem were the Good Ole Days.- laugh

-serge-



Yes, Guns are worse and if you want to know how bad 3rd Reich really is you would have to look at guns. Third Reich looks better and the gun guys started me when I fled from their games. Guns are worse but not for long.
Posted By: Kim Re: Where is Houston been??? - 06/16/2011 06:02 PM
This topic is about Houston Coates,not about how bad gun collecting is,isn't it?
Posted By: Kim Re: Where is Houston been??? - 07/12/2011 11:27 PM
Where is (sic) Houston been?
Posted By: the russian Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/12/2011 12:23 AM
I find all of this a little hard to swallow - I have dealt with Houston for years, always a fair buy and good advice - I can't see him doing in the reputation he has made over the many years of collecting for a few fast bucks -
Posted By: Tanker Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/12/2011 02:56 AM
Well, he is a member here and was at the MAX and has had ample opportunity to set the record straight and provide a defence, but has failed to do so. Either it is true or not. Evidence was provided that it happened, so if it didn't he needs to say so.
Posted By: Tanker Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/14/2011 06:22 PM
FOR HOUSTON COATES

Is this true? What is your side of the story?
Posted By: Earl (Rick) Schreiber Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/14/2011 07:42 PM
I have bought stuff from Houston for years and have been pleased with the stuff. Tanker...i love trolls (two post and both trying to get a arguement started.). If Houston want to get on fine, if not no big deal he knows i dont want a mud slinging thread on this forum. If you know or have deal with him over the years there are few if any complains about him (in fact this is the only one i know of).I have and will continue buying from him.
Posted By: Tanker Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/14/2011 08:19 PM
Not a troll! Was a member way back but just recently rejoined. LET Houston answer for himself, NOT you.
It does not bode well when Houston can ot or will defend his name. If you are satisfied with the way it was described, then you are in the same boat.
Do not judge poster by the number of post. Finding the truth is not mud slinging but preventing the truth to surface, well that is....
Posted By: Earl (Rick) Schreiber Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/14/2011 08:49 PM
If you are an old member than you should know that every thread that has an unhappy buyer who accuses a dealer of something ends up in a mud slinging contest. The dealer gets on and gives his side the other person doesnt agree then more trolls get on and bash the dealer ( im not saying they are right or wrong). It ends up in a 20 page mud sling contest and nothing gets resolved.Besides you have already made up your mind (read your last post) If i am satified then im in the same boat? Your trolling. If you want try e mailing him or be a man and ask him in person at a show. I dought he asnwers on this thread because i told him NOT to.
Posted By: Tanker Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/14/2011 09:00 PM
Earl
Appreciate the response. I like the hobby , but when a person that has the credentials that Houston supposely has, it is unsettling that the issue has not been resloved. When it is not addressed or cleared up, it gives the appearance (whether true or not) that someone does not want the truth told. I am glad to see on other forums (new and old) that the issue is still is the spot light. You as a moderator has doen a disservice to collectors by instructing a person not to answer. That kind of action gives credence to coverine it up. I thought maybe the forum has changed since I first joined, but if it has not and you prefer that I not psot any more, then let me know. Ron
Posted By: Earl (Rick) Schreiber Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/14/2011 09:11 PM
Ron... I dont care if you post, im happy your posting.In the 10 years i have been on here these type threads end up in missinformation,name calling, dealer bashing and members mad at other members because they dont agree with them.All i know is this is the only complain i have ever heard about Houston in the many years he has been selling stuff and all the stuff i have bought from him i love and i will keep buying from him.The bottom line here is you will either buy from him or not.If you think my asking him not to post is wrong, your welcome to your opinion, but i know all these type thread get solve nothing.
Posted By: Dave Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/14/2011 09:18 PM
Tanker is probably our old member Ron Holt From Tennessee.

If you get back to collecting, Ron, then post some stuff. What you are doing now is stalking and trying to get a mud slinging match going.

Dave
Posted By: Tanker Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/14/2011 09:39 PM
Hohaus
You are correct. Earl and I came to an agreement. You do not need to stir the pot more! From the posting on that thread, the evidence is there, no mud slinging.
Posted By: Earl (Rick) Schreiber Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/14/2011 09:58 PM
Im not sure what kind of agreement we came to. Agree to disagree but move on to collecting.
Posted By: Tanker Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/14/2011 10:04 PM
Earl
That was it. What you said in your previous post, so I wasn't going to resond to it and move on. I didn't think anymore needed to be said. Ron
Posted By: reichstall Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/15/2011 02:07 AM
are you kidding me noone comes on here anymore and one somebody ask to clear something up and you tell them not to answer that sends a good message.Dave if that guy wanted his name splattered on the web i think he would have said so that is real bad for you to post someone name with out there prior knowledge.
Posted By: Earl (Rick) Schreiber Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/15/2011 02:57 AM
If you go to the third page you will see that houston gave his reply. So why is this thread still going.
Posted By: Tanker Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/15/2011 03:42 AM
If you are referring to this post by Houston
"Sorry, but I am not going to get into a water contest with any "big time" collectors who just love to bash dealers with their lies using stolen, unauthorized and altered photos and anything else they can conjure up with their room full of computers.They just love to have their names up in print. Believe me there are plenty of counter charges I could make against these babies but I just don't have time to provide the entertainment. I have helped many of you in the past also saving many of you thousands of dollars with my FREE collector's guide. Who else has provided such a thing? Please keep that in mind while reading this. Thanks, and thanks for all who have written supporting posts. That's all I have to say.
_________________________
That was not much of an explanation. I also agree that Hohaus should not have made the post regarding my name/address. I have nothing to hide, but it had no bearing on the post.
Posted By: Earl (Rick) Schreiber Re: Where is Houston been??? - 10/15/2011 04:02 AM
Lol. I dont know what to tell you.I dont think he will reply. Heres a novel idea, dont buy from him if you dont want to.This way it leaves more for me and other to chose from.
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