Log In
Maverick said
Was just curious as what you define as his earlier material?
Sincerely,
Maverick
Well I prob should’ve just said early contributions re: Colt. I don’t think he initially intended to dupe people. I feel it was the rock star image of gun collectors got him & no turning back. Happens to a lot of people.
RickC
February 18, 2011
Offline
Moderator, please feel free to delete this Post if in violation of any rule/policy.
Wilson is active on a handgun forum in which I participate. His expertise there is both great and appreciated . I include myself in his audience. That said…
Significant breach of trust, particularly involving “fiduciary relationship”, to which he admitted violation. So-called “double dealing”, has destroyed his credibility.
While I do read with interest his opinions and shall continue, where there is any inference of acting as apparent expert to affect the value of property… to turn rapidly away.
In the case of the TR rifle of reference, hardly to accept such professed expertise offered by one who sold their integrity, defrauding clients in respect of the very same expertise ‘MO’. Here, absolutely to “buy the gun rather than the story”!
Best & Stay Safe!
John
Reference the Wilson story as of 2006: http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2006/1225/112.html
April 15, 2005
Offline
iskra said
Moderator, please feel free to delete this Post if in violation of any rule/policy.Wilson is active on a handgun forum in which I participate. His expertise there is both great and appreciated . I include myself in his audience. That said…
Significant breach of trust, particularly involving “fiduciary relationship”, to which he admitted violation. So-called “double dealing”, has destroyed his credibility.
While I do read with interest his opinions and shall continue, where there is any inference of acting as apparent expert to affect the value of property… to turn rapidly away.
In the case of the TR rifle of reference, hardly to accept such professed expertise offered by one who sold their integrity, defrauding clients in respect of the very same expertise ‘MO’. Here, absolutely to “buy the gun rather than the story”!
Best & Stay Safe!
John
Reference the Wilson story as of 2006: http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2006/1225/112.html
John,
It is not possible for R.L. Wilson to be active on any internet venue… he passed away last year (I believe it was in November).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
If he’s active on another forum he’s replying from the grave!
https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/12/22/in-memoriam-noted-firearms-author-rl-wilson/
iskra said
Moderator, please feel free to delete this Post if in violation of any rule/policy.Wilson is active on a handgun forum in which I participate. His expertise there is both great and appreciated . I include myself in his audience. That said…
Significant breach of trust, particularly involving “fiduciary relationship”, to which he admitted violation. So-called “double dealing”, has destroyed his credibility.
While I do read with interest his opinions and shall continue, where there is any inference of acting as apparent expert to affect the value of property… to turn rapidly away.
In the case of the TR rifle of reference, hardly to accept such professed expertise offered by one who sold their integrity, defrauding clients in respect of the very same expertise ‘MO’. Here, absolutely to “buy the gun rather than the story”!
Best & Stay Safe!
John
Reference the Wilson story as of 2006: http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2006/1225/112.html
https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-2006-03-26-0603260031-story.html
February 18, 2011
Offline
MY! How time does fly! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Didn’t know he’d passed, but not particularly keeping up with him in any sense. Just the momentary ‘knee Jerk’ reaction in noting the name, memory ‘blip’ resulting.
He contributed at the Smith & Wesson Collector Forum, from which my recollection occurred. Also from Colt Forums. I believe I’ve seen one of his posts within the last ~6 months. Apparently on an archived Thread revived.
I hold no residual contempt for ‘almost’ any who’ve passed. Nor any for him.
Thanks for the update… Good to know! I do admire that 1886 which brought his name to the forefront here. Perhaps interesting to follow that piece to see what/if the auction brings! Thanks for the interesting Thread and expertise reflected here!
Best!
John
March 31, 2009
Offline
There were other experts that would write a letter for a price. Just beware of guns that need some letter to help it sell.
Chuck said
There were other experts that would write a letter for a price. Just beware of guns that need some letter to help it sell.
Very true Chuck!
May 23, 2009
Offline
RickC said
https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-2006-03-26-0603260031-story.html
I did not know that his EX / Father-n-law was a book binder. Kinda make sense that he has 50 some odd titles to his name. I would imagine his father-n-law’s connections with the publishing world helped him out a bunch. Now a days it is a lot easier to publish a book, but 40+ years ago I don’t think this was the same case. Several of his titles are practically the same boiler plate of information, and just re-branded.
There are several titles of his I thoroughly enjoy. The L.D. Nimschke book is a nice one, and there not much currently to compare with his Winchester Engraving book, even though now there are some guns in that volume I find questionable. But with what is know about him know, everything I see of his I always take a fine toothed comb to.
Sincerely,
Maverick
P.S. I wonder who ended up with his scale replica Colt Blue Dome Gazebo?
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
November 1, 2013
Offline
Maverick said
I did not know that his EX / Father-n-law was a book binder. Kinda make sense that he has 50 some odd titles to his name. I would imagine his father-n-law’s connections with the publishing world helped him out a bunch.
I’ve known several hand bookbinders, & one of my many unfulfilled aspirations was to learn the trade myself (the apprenticeship is several yrs.) They have NO connection to the “publishing world.”
May 23, 2009
Offline
clarence said
Maverick said
I did not know that his EX / Father-n-law was a book binder. Kinda make sense that he has 50 some odd titles to his name. I would imagine his father-n-law’s connections with the publishing world helped him out a bunch.I’ve known several hand bookbinders, & one of my many unfulfilled aspirations was to learn the trade myself (the apprenticeship is several yrs.) They have NO connection to the “publishing world.”
Then who’s books are they binding, if not publishers?
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
November 19, 2006
Offline
RickC said
Very true Chuck!
Chuck said
There were other experts that would write a letter for a price. Just beware of guns that need some letter to help it sell.
I also agree completely with Chuck. In the case of this M1886, the rifle is nice enough. I don’t think the rifle needs help. But the story sure needs help. What makes me shake my head the most is how RIA titled the auction:
Roosevelt’s African Safari Winchester Model 1886 Rifle
steve004 said
Chuck said
There were other experts that would write a letter for a price. Just beware of guns that need some letter to help it sell.I also agree completely with Chuck. In the case of this M1886, the rifle is nice enough. I don’t think the rifle needs help. But the story sure needs help. What makes me shake my head the most is how RIA titled the auction:
Roosevelt’s African Safari Winchester Model 1886 Rifle
RIA is very self serving. They use whatever reference gives them the oldest DOM knowing full well the dates are not correct.
I’ve seen more than a few there with stories & descriptions that are suspect or inflated.
RickC
November 1, 2013
Offline
Maverick said
Then who’s books are they binding, if not publishers?
Sincerely,
Maverick
The books of their customers–the people bringing them books they want bound or re-bound.
November 19, 2006
Offline
steve004 said
I, for one, am dubious. Quite dubious.https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/80/24/roosevelts-african-safari-winchester-model-1886-rifle
I guess others weren’t as dubious as me. With an auction estimate of $15 – $25K, the hammer price this morning was $25K. I was listening to auctioneer’s comments immediately prior to starting the bidding – he urged everyone to, “read the description on this one” and asserted, “the math adds up.” Well, I contend they are using some sort of, “new math” that they weren’t teaching back when I was in school.
November 1, 2013
Offline
steve004 said
I guess others weren’t as dubious as me.
They weren’t as INTELLIGENT, or at least as clear thinking, as you! Thoughtful analysis of all the facts & circumstances is an unnecessary chore, anyway, when you’ve got that much money in your pocket.
November 7, 2015
Offline
If people weren’t “buying the story” people wouldn’t write them. Somebody paid good money for that story, I hope it’s true.
Mike
