So what is happening with Funksammler Militaria? As we prepare to go live a lot of time is spent behind the computer. Uniforms and equipment to be offered for sale is dug out from wherever it is stored and is inspected and photographed. It makes me realise that whatever space you have as a collector, you keep going and fill it up to the brim! Space is always limited and it is a challenge to get as much of the collection on display as possible. Bits that are not immediately on display are put in boxes, cabinets, storage lockers and any convenient space available and sometimes stay there for years.
On the exhibition and show side of things, summer is always the prime time of the year. The summer shows start in May and around the 6th of June things get very busy in Normandy. Lots of things to see and do and lots of friends to meet up with. We have about four or five major militaria fairs in the area in that one week. Throughout the summer there are smaller local liberation events here in Normandy. The season culminates in late August as we commemorate the closing of the Falaise Pocket and the end of the battle of Normandy.
As the season turns towards the colder months of the year, I return to my many restoration projects. There is always radio and other technical equipment needing some TLC. These old radios are like classic cars, you need to use them from time to time to keep them in good condition, the more you use them the better they get. There are always things that are on the to-do list, as the equipment needs regular use and maintenance to keep working optimally. Many hours can be spent on minute details, hand making missing or broken parts to get things working again.