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IN MY LIBRARY WITH BRIAN RODDEN'S IVANHOE
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Fifth generation Texan and retired professional soldier - Colonel, Field Artillery. "Greatamazo" as an Ebay call sign has no special significance, just a nickname acquired during my college days at SMU.
Childhood collector of Post-War Britains and Mignot. Regretfully I treated them as toys. On the bright side, fighting make-believe battles on the floor got me reading Military History and Rudyard K. No doubt this greatly influenced my career choice. On the down side, probably wasn't the best decision as I picked up 5 Purple Hearts in Vietnam.
I got back into the hobby in the late 80s and owe a great deal to several world class collectors and dealers for their patience in educating me. Started going to Shows in 2000 and finally got online in 2004. Had absolutely no concept of the full scope of our hobby.
Built my dream home on the golf course and, like most collectors, designed a gallery for my troops, military art collection, and supporting Militaria. Diecast aircraft dogfight in the "skies" above the tables and cabinets while prints adorn the walls. In addition to enjoying Napoleonic and Victorian themes, I'm a long time collector of the American Civil War limited edition prints by Dale Gallon & Don Troiani.
After my retirement I lived in Gettysburg and had the privilege of working for Mr. Gallon as a writer/researcher where we pioneered the concept of including an analytical historical essay with each of his prints. Dream come true - getting paid to write about the Civil War while working for a truly gifted artist. Was great fun and I met many Civil War scholars and Re-Enactors during my tenure.
Although Pre-War Britains are the foundation of my collection, some of my most treasured pieces are special commissions and two are shown here. One by Mr. Brian Rodden - Ivanhoe and the Templar Brian du Bois Guilbert jousting at Ashby. The 100mm custom figures are based on Scott's description of the combatants. (In bookcase to my left). The other is a magnificent five piece custom set by Jack Updyke (Minimen) based on the characters in the John Ford classic "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon."
Additionally, I have numerous one of kind sets by Mr. Peter Tring, Mr. Neil Rhodes, and the late Mr. Al Balleria - All classics in the vintage Britains style. A close second to my quest for Whisstock boxed Britains is my passion for Shamus Wade's great Nostalgia figures. Am only 3 sets and a few singles short of having Mr. Wade's entire line! Mignot WW I sets and equipment also have their own cabinets! Ed Edmunds, Bill Hocker, AQM, British Bulldog, K & C and Frontline are well represented, especially Victorian and/or artillery themes.
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