Personal Note from Ryan:

Collecting has been part of my life since childhood. My father took me to auctions and antique fairs, and at thirteen my father and I began seeking out German daggers together—I did the research, he placed the bids. Late nights with Tom Johnson’s reference books and Manion’s catalogs sharpened my eye, and our focus soon expanded to helmets, uniforms, medals, badges, and more. What keeps me engaged is the story behind each piece—who made it, who carried it, and how it traveled through time.

Over the years, the community has become just as meaningful as the objects themselves. I’m grateful for the camaraderie among collectors, dealers, and historians—the shared expertise, the debates over details, and the thrill of a rare find that gets everyone talking. There’s nothing quite like coming across an elusive piece and verifying its authenticity, provenance, and condition. I also love helping others curate their collections with genuine, well-documented items—offering guidance on what to pursue, what to avoid, and how to build a collection that reflects their interests and tells a coherent story.

As a United States Marine, I approach this work with respect for service and sacrifice, and I see it as a responsibility to preserve these artifacts so they can educate and be appreciated by future generations.