UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories Helmet Forum SOS report

7:15 PM PST.

Tom Kibler is on his cell phone, in Matt Miller's room, at the SOS.

In alphabetical order, Perry Floyd, Tom, Larry Marcella, Matt and Darryl are all sitting around, and, uh, well, apparently enjoying copious refreshments available to adults of legal age. Everyone was obviously having a very good time strutting, sharing and showing-off their newly acquired loot and treasures. Provided they don't sell em' off in pursuit of even finer things, our friends should be coming home with some exceptional items.

Half an hour later, after having shared an adult beverage myself, speaking with all and having 'virtually' enjoyed the Show, we bid good evening. No doubt, when all the very merry fellows return, we shall be greatly entertained by heroic tales of acquisition and plunder from the time when our pals pillaged the Show Of Shows. Made my day. What a silly lot. What great friends. Thanks for the report, guys.

Cody

Sounds like they are having a good time...Wish I was there (sigh)


Glenn

Please update us tonight! Make sure those Martini's are not too strong...! And don't bet any SS helmets in Poker games! You might come home pretty sorry! Remember, those of us stuck at home with jobs and family are depending on you for great stories and cool pics! Chris

Tom Kibler called this morning. Having finished his buying binge, Tom had parked his tired self at Larry Marcella's table. In the background, Larry showed-off some considerable treasures while schmoozing with Ken Niewiarowicz and John Burnett. Tom broke off for a bit to demonstrate to another some aspects of Kelly's "SS-Steel" while Larry and I kibbutzed about flying(or not) and TR helmetry in general. Tom returned, spoke of the atmosphere as quite busy for both buyers and sellers. Given it was Saturday morning, most of the 'good stuff' had already been accounted-for earlier in the week, so, most folks were milling-about and reacquainting. Sounded like the show was winding down after the tempest of trading on Thursday and Friday. All the boys should be home and rested in a few days to share with us their newly-acquired loot.

Cody

Just got back this morning from two days at the SOS. Wow...what a show; what a spectacle. Gentlemen, if you ever desire to attend just one show, this is the one. It is truly mind-boggling, both in it's sheer size and in the numbers of items there for sale and display. I highly recommend it.

As Cody mentioned, Tom called him on the cell phone while we were in Matt's room ogling over the day's helmet finds...and what find's there were; camos, FJ's, mint DD Heers, etc., etc. And wonder of wonders, even I found a black SS helmet for my collection on Thursday...a first for me. I have never found a "blackie" at a show. They have all come from networking and contacts I have made over the years. It was nice to actually take something home this time.

An even bigger surprise awaited me on Friday...yet another SS "blackie"! This one was bought by Kelly Hicks from a fellow waiting in line for the show. He was in the right place at the right time. To make a long story short, we came to a deal while walking around and viewing all the SS helmets that were being offered for sale. So, I managed to come home with two black SS helmets to add to the collection.

I had a great time talking (and sometimes drinking ) with Matt, Larry, Tom, Perry, JohnB, Jerry, Graeme (from Ireland), Kelly, Calvin, John Suprin, JR, Ryan and Steve (my driving partners), TonyM, Peter Jenkins, Bob Coleman, Bruce Herman, Kevin Finlay, Robert Kondor, Ken N, Ken B, Pvon, Robert Hassler, Tim Dauncey, Dave Hohaus, Patrice, Kingtiger, lakesidetrader (Paul), TKissinger, Craig Gottlieb, Steve Wolfe and many others I'm sure I've inadvertently left out. Unfortunately I missed a few guys who were there. The show is just so darned big that it's difficult to find everyone.

Looking forward to the next one...and the upcoming MAX '06 located in Indianapolis.

Cheers,

Daahh! You guys are killing me. You know how stuck in (flight) school I am. LoL

I guess I can only make this promise. With a Delta Benefits card awaiting me on the other side, I'll be there for just about every show that is worth it's weight in Attic Dust.

Oh FYI: I got my Commercial Pilot's Lic. two weeks ago. Now on to Multi-engine, then CFI (Certified Flight Instructor)

Good luck with your studies. Currently an aircraft mechanic with American at DFW, and the flight benefits are great! Been to Maui (3) times, and Kauai once.

Sorry I missed you guys!

I was there on Friday...I guess I spent too much time with the spikey guys.

I am in my motel room resting my tired feet on saturday night. The show is basically over now. I had a great time talking with Darryl, Kelly, Larry, Matt, John Burnett, Peter Suciu and many others.

This was one of the best shows I have been to. Lots of activity. Lots of helmets seen, bought and/or fondled.

Got to go now and pack up all the goodies for the ride home in the morning. Already looking forward to next year!

I came back Saturday night and have to say it was a very good show for me. As usual I had a blast hanging out with the helmet guys, I'll guarantee you will allways have a good time doing so
I can't name everyone but it was good to see all the regulars and also meet new faces I only knew via online.
I was able to add a couple of key pieces to my collection. I couldn't get over the size of the show, it was difficult to find everyone you wanted to see.
It left no doubt with me that the SOS is the top militaria show in the US.

Darryl,
Have to repost this is the wrong place.
John

Anybody care to hazard a guess on what percentage of the SS helmets at the SOS were right? Attended the show on Saturday and it seemed those lids were everywhere in all types configurations.
Picked up a m-16 transitional double decal army named to an officer complete with chinstrap. Halfway down the aisle on another table a dealer had a similar helmet with an aasking price of a 1000 bucks more. Prices were fluid.

Ok guys, i've read enough... now please get back home, get some rest and please post your new acquisitions...can't wait to see them
ciao Mario

There was alot of fake everything as with any large show but some killer helmets were there. Just from my observation the good helmets were sold by mid day friday.
I was taken back by the asking prices of a few SD WSS helmets though.

Well I made it home... lugging more than I expected...

I have four with me and four enroute via mail. When they all arrive safely - I'll play show and tell.

I'll say that I saw both of the lids Darryl got and they are amazing! The FJ's were also amazing - and I'm sure a member will post one or two of them as soon as he's able. The SS lids were available and sold quickly (at first). Others sat on the table to whole show with some, umm big prices.

All in all it was alot of fun. Cody wanted me to keep him plugged in and since many of us were together "googling" some of the lids - I thought I'd call. It was nice to see so many people there - sorry, for those that didn't make it.

With 6000 sold out tables and the recent MAX being somewhat of a "bust" - I was hoping this would be a sweetie of a show! It was.

See ya soon with some pics!

This is the group I managed to get home.... close-ups pending. I'm pretty sure you can figure out which one I'll keep...

Very nice army helmets Tom,congrats.
Really hope that i can meet all of you forum members on the SOS or somewhere else someday.

Did anyone take any pictures from the show??
Any nice pictures with tables of helmets??

Best regards,

Anders.

Yes Tom, I'm sure you'll keep the one on the left...so please sell the one with you name on it to me
ciao Mario

quote:

Originally posted by Tom Kibler:
This is the group I managed to get home.... close-ups pending. I'm pretty sure you can figure out which one I'll keep...

This was the best SOS is a long time. Thursday (dealer set-up) was the busiest I have ever seen.
I saw and hung out with many of the GD helmet guys and also the WA forum guys. The social part of the show has over taken the helmet hunting for me over the past couple years.
One of my long term quest was finally fullfilled.
Thanks to fellow forum member and long time collector, Jerry Mestas, I finally put a bordered Police helmet on my shelf. Jerry and I have known each other in cyberspace for probably 5 years and finally met at this show.
Matt Miller and son with Mike Gaspar along, did the pre SOS show at my house Wednesday where lots of helmets were fondled and many brewskis spent.
It was a great weekend being with all my friends and my brother. Can't wait until next year.

Larry

Larry,

Congrats on the MINTY Bordered M35 Polizei - it has a great home and plenty of company. So many others seem to have your name on them, where ever they may rest...

Thanks Tom, it is nice going home with a new helmet and know there are more in the "ready" mode.

Larry

Just got back home early Monday morning from the S.O.S. I had a great time. There was almost any helmet there you could think of. Most of the really good helmets were not on display but under the tables or at hotel room partys. Probably the best part of the show was meeting people whom I had only know in cyberspace. I finally got to meet Larry Marcella and his brother, Matt Miller,Tom Kibler,Ken B., Kenn N., Darryl, Kelly Hicks, John Suprin, Leif and Dan from Colorado, Perry, and from across the big pond Norm and Graeme. And of course, Matt Miller Jr. Matt Jr. is one of the nicest young individuals you'll ever meet. A perfect well mannered gentleman. A special thanks goes out to Larry Marcella for helping me get a helmet I've been after for awhile. An M35 SD Army that left the factory without the Tri-shield being applied. Beautiful helmet. If you didn't attend this years S.O.S. you'd better go next year. I don't want to hear no excuses.

Have to add my thoughts on the show. It was great, so much choice. I picked up one very nice M35 DD SS. Looking forward to next year.
Tony