I couldnt agree more, Canvasback. The dictionary defines a collector as a person who collects things of a specified type, professionally or as a hobby. Most of us here do it as a hobby. Garwood Thomas was a professional. I know I personally collect as a hobby and it is because it interests me to find quality pieces in original and unbutchered condition, and I admit I usually research the history in a cursory sort of fashion. There are others out there who do the same thing and thats one reason why there remains some pristine vintage pieces, although they are often times rare. Plus, its fun to use your noggin to sort out what has been redone and what hasnt. There are clever people out there always trying to trick the unsuspecting collector. Sometimes its easy to tell, other times not so easy, at least for me. On another note, it is amusing how threads of this nature always seem to degenerate into a whatever.......

Socialism is almost the worst.