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| Daisy toy gun collectors convene in Kalamazoo |
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KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Daisy Get Together 2010 – a spirited camaraderie for collectors of BB and toy guns – will be held at the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds Expo Center, an 8,500-square foot hall with great lighting and ample parking.
“This new location has it all,” says Wes Powers and Bill Duimstra says of the 18th Annual Daisy Get Together. “We will be able to have 8-foot aisles this year, which we know everyone will enjoy. Its easy access off of I-94 is also an added bonus.”
The new host hotel will be the recently renovated Clarion Hotel located on East Cork Street.
In addition to nearly 100 tables of collectible BB and toy guns on display and for sale, the show special feature gun for this year is the Daisy Red Ryder.
The Red Ryder is a favorite among Daisy collectors, named after the cowboy comic strip hero drawn by Fred Harman and featured in newspapers during the 1930s. Red Ryder was also featured in many classic western films.
The Red Ryder BB gun was first offered in 1939 and was produced in Plymouth, Mich. until the company moved to Rogers, Ark. In 1958, The Red Ryder model continued in Rogers and, except for a couple of breaks in production, the gun is still being produced.
However, there have been changes and variations of the Red Ryder in the stock, finish, sights, levers, and Plymouth and Rogers’ markings.
The most sought-after variation is the first model Red Ryder; noted by copper-coated barrel bands and a cast iron level. As a general rule, the most desirable Plymouth guns are those made with wood stocks, with a premium for excellent condition or boxed guns.
Guns with plastic stocks, or models made in Rogers, are less desirable to collectors.
The 1980s movie, A Christmas Story, featuring Ralphie’s quest to get an “official Red Ryder Carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle” for Christmas. That prompted the introduction of the Christmas Story model, complete with a compass and sundial in the stock, true to Ralphie’s gun in the movie.
Last year there were collectors from nearly 16 states attending the show.
For more details, contact 616-738-2425. |
| 7/21/2010 |
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