At the end of the last newsletter I promised that one of the subjects, if not the main drive of the next letter, would embrace an understanding of the nomenclature (see above definition) as used and generally banded about within the collecting field of militaria to describe and refer to certain items or the condition of same.
To tread on safe ground let me refer to my Concise Oxford Dictionary on just one small word alone:- Gild.
1. To cover thinly with gold.
2. To tinge with golden colour or light.
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I am going to keep this first letter short and sweet and introduce in my next letter the topic of ‘Nomenclature’, by this I mean the systematic naming and terminology to describe the make, state and style of militaria which is collected.
The reason I feel that this is so important and that a really good, precise and accurate description of items be given is that there is nothing more upsetting and irritating than NOT getting what you had hoped for because it has been poorly, even misleadingly described.
Michael and I take great store in this aspect of integrity. I know we say that “….if you are not happy you can send it back for a full refund”, but that is not the point.
I for one will do all I can to give a fair and precise description of things I handle. Of course good photos will help and you will note that I take one or more shots of the item---especially the backs of badges!!! We want everyone to get what they had hoped for.
The creation of this Website has been a fascinating experience in its own right.
I, at the age of 66 (Young, I hope) have found myself treading paths un thought of before. The whole thing continues to be an exciting learning curve and is far from over; in fact I am sure it has no end but the reason I mention this is that it reminded me of three lines of wisdom that have registered in my brain, planted there by one of my better schoolmasters many years ago.
I HEAR----------AND I FORGET
I SEE----------AND I REMEMBER
I DO------AND I UNDERSTAND
I found these thoughts going through my mind along the way as I have been handling and photographing items to be listed.
These three lines of wisdom are so relevant to our hobby and collecting in that you can hear about things and see as many pictures as you like but the real knowledge drives home when you have touched and felt the item or article in question.
So support your local Clubs and ‘Collector Groups’. Be prepared to share and let others handle your experiences and encourage them to reciprocate. It will be to the benefit of all of you and bring to each of us great joy.
Again----May 2006 be a good one for all of you and yours!!
With the Warmest of Salutations,
Michael and Cheryl Kaplan,
Carl Du Toit,
Jackie Brown,
& the old Quartermaster, David Lonsdale.
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Should any of you have comment that you feel should be brought up in future Newsletters, please address same to the Editor/Quartermaster at lonners@absamail.co.za
