Extensive WWII sweetheart jewelry, wartime patriotic items, militaria and more up for bid Previously unknown collection consigned with Manion’s International Auction House, Inc. and featured on auction website www.manions.com
News-Antique.com - Mar 19,2008 - “Out of the woodwork” is a phrase associated with many aspects of collecting, and often used in the militaria arena. It refers to items coming to the surface, and now accessible to the collecting community.
“Militaria collectors are always talking about the good old days,” said Manion’s representative John Conway. “When collectible items were easily accessible and in abundance.”
As more and more have realized the investment potential of collecting military related items, their price has escalated – and their availability has been somewhat restricted, as people are not selling these pieces.
“We were amazed to hear this collection was right here in our vicinity,” said Conway, who has been collecting militaria for over three decades. “When you talk about a collection coming out of the woodwork – this is it.”
Retired Air Force Technical Sergeant William R. Forsen acquired thousands of items over the past several decades, according to his son Scott Forsen.
“After he retired he would go to garage sales and flea markets all of the time,” he said. “He started with little pieces, like sweetheart items, but eventually he began buying uniforms, field gear, and other larger pieces of militaria.”
Forsen said he was fortunate to have discovered Manion’s International Auction House, and was very pleased with the process.
“We are really happy with the way the auction house has handled everything and the best part is they are right here in Kansas City,” he said. “My dad had several hundred pieces – sweetheart jewelry, pilots wings, brass insignia, books, flags, posters, medals, uniforms, books, and more – we didn’t know where to begin, Manion’s assistance has been invaluable.”
To view items from the William R. Forsen collection, visit www.manions.com and click the appropriate banner in the center of the page. For more information about buying or selling militaria and other historic collectibles, visit the site or call 866.626.4661.
