Regular viewers must know by now that I have something of a fascination with the Tiger 1, particularly 'Tigers In Normandy'. A lifelong interest indeed ; it started with my purchase of an Airfix plastic kit when I was 9 years old ( and that's a loooong time ago ! ). Anyhow, not being a multi-millionaire, Tiger parts are hard to find. There have been some bits at fairs this year, but many are unidentifiable with the tank ( ie you're relying on the dealers word ). One UK dealer I buy from and trust spends quite a bit of time in Normandy and offered something I just had to have. It's an inner track-link end from a destroyed Tiger dug up between Falaise and the Seine. The actual machine is unidentified, but as can be seen from the photo, the part can even be identified from my 1/16 Tiger - the curved profile, slot and tread are characteristic. To some, a lump of rusty metal - but to me, almost talismanic. I'm really pleased with it.
Martin, a man after my own heart! When I was 16, I found a 3" Broun Confederate solid projectile with brass sabot intact. I lived on the Alabama River, downstream from a Confederate arsenal and a shifting sandbar revealed it! That was in 1956, a long time ago as well !!
It is a little on the heavy side..even the delivery courier commented on it. A complete track link - 75% longer - would probably go clean through the floor......
Now that's a great piece! Who would have thought a lump of metal would be so beautiful. Some 10 years ago I had the chance to buy a Panzer track link from a detector who joined this site. I thought it was too expensive at the time, but looking back he was giving me a deal. I would love to have something like that one my desk today, so I'll live vicariously through your collection.
I must say Martin, your collection is truly impressive..........do you mind mentioning me in the will by chance . Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Good question, actually. As I have no heirs, I'll gift my collection to the Mosquito Museum, where there are people who'll know how to sell the stuff. proceeds will then go to the Museum, which is a charity. Other members of the Museum who are sadly no longer with us have done a similar thing over the years, and it is a valuable source of funds. Oh, dear - this thread seems to have taken a gloomy turn !
Anyway, back to my relic......it's actually very interesting, right down to the right-angled cut-out on the left side, into which the drive wheel sprocket would have fitted. As with all such relics - if only it could talk !
Now I'm sure that the museum would have no use for a certain Sturmgewehr 44 that is lurking in your collection. So, I think it would be better if you donated it to the Jagdpanther Wants An MP44 trust......
Have you seen all the hints Mr Wheatcroft is sharing alongside pictures of recently found bits of Tiger 1 & 2? "our second King Tiger chassis has a complete complement of these parts," The Wheatcroft Collection 14/10 "Will get this sand blasted and checked for alignment, it can then go straight in to our Tiger I hull." The Wheatcroft Collection 7/10 A local location savant worked out where the new collection is likely to be. It's all rather interesting.