Q&A 60: Early Automatic Pistols & More w/ "Fireplace Guy" - Len Antaris
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Published 2022-06-01
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Check out Len's channel "Historic Investments":
/ @historicinvestments2587
Today I am speaking to Len Antaris of Historic Investments, aka "Fireplace Guy". Len has a tremendous collection with an emphasis on unusual and prototype handguns, and he has been very generous in allowing me to film much of it for you over many years. So, I figured we should talk to him about some of the things you might be interested in his take on:
00:00 - Introduction
02:14 - Why are American Collectors so interested in Swiss Firearms?
04:21 - Why were early autoloading pistols so clunky compared to modern pistols?
07:32 - Your house is on fire, and you only have time to save one gun from your collection. Which one, and why?
Salvatore-Dormus: • 1891 Salvator-Dormus: The First Autom...
Laumann & Schonberger-Laumann: • Laumann 1891 and Schonberger-Laumann ...
10:11 - How did you get started collecting firearms and why a particular interest in early semi-auto handguns?
15:38 - Why have modern firearms have lost the finesse and finish of older guns?
18:34 - Top 3 guns to hang on the mantle above the fireplace?
20:33 - Most interesting technological dead end to come out of early self-loading pistol design?
Sosso: • Sosso 1941 Italian Prototype Pistol
22:49 - Webley self-loader viable for wide-spread use in WW1?
Webley Model 1913: • Webley 1913 Semiauto Pistol: History ...
25:12 - Were there any serious attempt at stocked revolvers for militaries after the early 1900's?
25:27 - Thoughts on the Trejo Model 1 .22 auto pistol?
Trejo Model 1: • Trejo Model 1 Machine Pistol: Shootin...
26:30 - Why didn't the Schwarzlose 1898 take off commercially despite it's advanced features and good ergonomics?
Schwarzlose 1898: • Schwarzlose 1898 Semiauto Pistol
29:21 - How hard is it finding warlord pistols these days?
35:39 - What firearms are you seeking, or wish you could have for your collection?
36:53 - I’m starting to collect World War 2 military sidearms. But, I want to focus on the "not so common" military issue sidearms. What would you consider the top 3 "un-sung pistols" of World War 2?
41:15 - Favorite pistol to shoot / Do you shoot your collectible pistols?
43:26 - Which, if any, of the early semiauto pistols could be a (limited) success if it was brought back as a replica today?
48:18 - Will polymer pistols ever be collectible?
51:25 - Who are some early designers of semi-automatic handguns you think more people should know about?
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All Comments (21)
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So glad we finally got to meet "fireplace guy" and Len is just a treasure to listen to. I hope we get to have him in on some more Q&A's in the future!
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Fireplace Guy has a name! Thanks, Len, for giving Ian access to your collection.
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Fireplace Guy: You know, I'm something of a firearms collector myself
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The fact that Len focuses on collecting early semi autos yet can talk about collectible polymer pistols says to me that despite having a focus for his own collection, his knowledge is still well rounded.
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HOLY CRAP! Fireplace guy reveals his secret identity!?
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I would never had guessed that Willem Dafoe was the "Fireplace Guy"...
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"Classic pistols with modern ammunition". I saw a pistol in 9mm Glisenti at my local Cabela's in their Gun Librabry a few months ago. I specifically said, out loud, that it had better go to someone who knows WTH that is because otherwise it's going to Kaboom and hurt someone.
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Len is such a gentleman and his taste in firearms is top notch.
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Finally! The fire place guy.
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Thank you, Len. Your years of support for this channel has brought all of us much pleasure.
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OK this guy is one of the best guests you've had yet! He's engaging and easy to understand, 5*!
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Len is so well spoken and insightful! I'm very glad to finally put a face with the fireplace! What an amazing collection...
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Dr Antaris reminds me of my Dr. A soft spoken guy that is an avid gun collector. My Doc specializes in full automatic weapons. He's got a room full of every size machine gun . I kid him about the value of his collection and he says he acquired many of these autos many years ago for a fraction of what they are worth now.
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Finally the big reveal! Had anyone guessed it would be him?
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This might just be the best Q&A in Forgotten weapons history. Loved when the person behind the camera cracked up at the thought of someone wanting to purchase Remington. I lost it too
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If a semi-automatic sniper rifle isn't socially acceptable to hang over your fireplace for your guests, I say invite better guests.
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What a fun Q&A. It may be a function of my geographic location (northwest Montana) but shooting at a social gathering is still a part of our lifestyle. Thank God. Keep up the good work.
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Classic gun that can be produced economically - Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless. Not in the same league as a Borchardt or C96, but also not something that would cost $5,000+ to market profitably.
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I found this channel about 2 years ago and I was always wondering "where is he? I don't remember Ian's place having a fireplace."
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It was a joy hearing mr anteris, cant say ive ever heard him before, but seems a fella that exudes his passions and could talk all day/week about them. Did rather enjoy hearing him talk and surmise a few opinions for us.
