Along the way, worthy adventures may lead to the acquisition of hard-won relics or treasured antiques.
From armor purchased in Scotland and carried back, by foot, in a deluge, to artifacts from epic eras and formative now struggles past, we’ve picked up, or in the case of an Emperor’s gift turned down, some items of interest. At times, we may invite you to share and invest in those stories by offering elusive stock for sale.
On rare occasion, we can even be persuaded to part with something of note, exclusively of course to those we can entrust its safekeeping and appreciation to! Our current, begrudgingly available, inventory can be found below. Shipping outside the continental United States should be discussed prior to purchase.
Suitable for a collectors personal cache or gifts to those embarking on their own tales, these may range from tool to esteemed treasure depending on your view.
On offer shortly:
A Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife.
The discerning British commando and SOE operative’s blade of choice for dispatching sentries and unsavory sorts. This Sheffield made blade has earned a few scars – and picked up a few stories, still secret no doubt, along the way.
A 1930’s Wehrmacht mess kit.
An interesting example of early industrial design and still imitated to this day. Maybe missing an insert, certainly in need of a leather strap, and yes… the first thing I conjured from it after unearthing it in a basement, purely by camp fire coincidence, was wurst and sauerkraut.
Three Trays. Aluminium. Air Algiers.
Where in the world these have been we cannot say, but these were acquired at an estate sale, nested in Portland’s south-eastern hills, on the day of a friend’s move. Soaring overhead, perhaps they served food to the jet-set shuttling to or recovering from the latest soiree. Perfect for serving friends a libation or organizing the next bit of excess in elegance.
Dr’s Bag. 1920s or 30s.
What counts as medicine? Surely that’s a subjective matter, requiring extensive testing esp. when it comes to matters of mischief! The Zulus have a wide range of muti and I’m a fervent fanatic in favor of the Scottish stuff. This post-war period bag, is (either a very convincing pebbled version or actual seal skin, I suspect the latter.) The lock does not work, no real concern there… since medicine of ones choosing should be readily at hand and unimpeded for requisite rapid access. I’ve yet to condition the leather but can make recommendations or arrangements to treat, post-purchase to your standards.
Leather B.A.R. Pouch. U.S., WWII.
There are conflicting accounts and quotes as to who originally coined the quip “The pen is mightier than the sword.” but there’s no question that John Moses Browning is a resounding reason why much of the world is still relating it in its original English! This pattern tool pouch was made from WWI through WWII and saw service from the Pacific to Partisans in the east and beyond. Pay homage to both edges of the pen/sword paradox in style. I’ve been using one as my dedicated case for close to a decade now and it’s never failed to attract admiration and attention.
Cold War Chow Capsule. West German.
Light weight and perfectly patinaed. Olive drab and somewhat scuffed on the outside, this lightweight bit of cold war camp cookery makes for a perfect container when sharing soups, steaming or searing freshly caught scallops, or in the context of its time… carrying about and sharing your latest cache of contraband cassettes.
More to come. What are you on the hunt for? How can we help?
Perhaps you too can share in and earn new stories with some of the items above? Is there anything elusive we should consider or outright commission an expedition to retrieve? Let us know.
Based on how they were attained, uncommon items can connect us to or confound those around us! My mother still wears a cameo, a few centuries old, obtained along the river-side markets of Amsterdam’s Jordaan. I’ve yet to summon the appropriate measure of sherry to extract the origin story of an ancient sword, purchased from a camel butcher in the Sudan by a favored uncle, and I have a wish list of the unique to seek that would make Galahad blush..
In the works, perhaps…
Assegai
Axes, reclaimed and refinished
Terms and conditions:
All sales are at our discretion, whim, etc. It is solely your responsibility to ensure that any items purchased meet your local laws. Boo hiss, I know… Satisfaction and returns – contingent on safe return of any artifact(s) in question guaranteed.