Holding Auctions Once a Month
IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE!
Saturday & Sunday
February 29 & March 1, 2020
GUNS, MILITARY & IWO JIMA
TWO HUGE COLLECTIONS!
​
Click on red buttons below to view catalog:
ITEMS ADDED DAILY!
The Gary Holen Military Collection Up for Auction
February 29 & March 1, 2020
First off, as a young boy whose father was a WWII Armorer and Veteran in the 32nd Red Arrow in the South Pacific, I remember looking through my dad’s medals and bars, Japanese currency, etc. and wondering what he went through as he didn’t share too many stories because of his experiences in the war.
We grew up watching combat movies. We played with toy soldiers and guns while wearing helmets. We all grew up patriotic.
History has always intrigued me and that is why I started collecting military some 30+ years ago. I remember purchasing unique military items and would relish the hours spent researching the item to correctly identify what treasure I acquired. Sometimes I would learn more about the item than I ever anticipated.
I soon convinced my wife to accompany me on our many trips to gun shows, flea markets and auctions. She caught on quickly and we have enjoyed many memorable trips together to these types of events.
My motto is, when you think you know it all, you may as well quit breathing because you’re wasting air for someone else who wants to learn.
At this time in my life, it seems appropriate to allow others to learn from and enjoy these items from history that I have acquired over the years.
The Bradley Hartsell Iwo Jima Collection
March 1, 2020
Bradley J. Hartsell spent 10 years in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant. While in the Corps he served in several billets including Platoon Sergeant and Water Safety Survival Instructor but his main MOS (military occupational specialty) was Electronic Cryptographic Repair Technician. While serving in the 1st Marine Air Wing (MAW) and later 3rd Force Service Support Group (FSSG) in Okinawa, Japan on his off-duty time Hartsell began to formally study the Japanese Language. He also developed a serious avocation for the history of and the exploration/excavation of Pacific WWII battle sites including Okinawa and Iwo Jima.
​
Hartsell excavated tunnels systems, retrieved rare artifacts and mummified human remains. He was personally invited by the Japanese Health and Welfare Ministry (Koseisho), to work with them, Japanese survivors of the Battle for Iwo Jima and next of kin of soldiers who perished in the Battle for Iwo Jima. He has appeared on television in Japan and in the pilot episode of War Stories with Oliver North entitled "The Battle for Iwo Jima" and appeared in two subsequent episodes, "The Battle for Okinawa" and "Bataan--The Philippine Death March." Hartsell served as an historical consultant on Japanese Military History for the film "The Great Raid." As a member of the cadre of Warriors, Inc. he served as Platoon Commander for the training of principle Japanese actors and extras who portrayed Imperial Japanese Army forces in the film "The Great Raid" and the HBO maxi-series "The Pacific." Hartsell also served as a translator on the set during the production while on locations in Shanghai, China, and Australia.
Hartsell received a BA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan where he also served as President of the Asian Studies Student Association. Following graduation, he has had a successful business career and completed his MBA from Union University along the way. He has lived and worked in Okinawa, Japan for 7+ years and The People’s Republic of China for 20+ years.
