Would You Like to Donate or Grant
Money or Items to Create a History
Store, Museum, and Research Complex?

Arms to Armor History Store, Museum, and Research Complex - would endeavor to -

• Provide a privately owned location - open to the public - for the sales of History-related items: antiques, artifacts, books, collectibles, memorabilia, and militaria (antique and modern reproduction);

• Provide a Museum for the display of historical items supplied by contributors to this venture;

• Provide a Private Contributor Library for the sole purpose of researching historical items, with emphasis on Arms and Armor, but to include Genealogy due to the need to research historical association. The library will also include a section on archaeology and anthropology.

• In doing so, we will also strive to provide an atmosphere that promotes education and that will instill a basic pride in our national history and genealogy - Texas and the United States - as well as peripheral influences on our heritage and culture.

• Our goal is to preserve history and - through literary education and visual presentation - provide certain resources and media for such research and preservation, as is possible, when available.

• Therefore, establishing a research complex is our mission; however, to sustain this - without continued adequate contributions - sales of History-related items - new and used - will be our major source of continued funding, sufficient for this venture.

This shall encompass all areas of History - with emphasis on Military History - and will provide:

• A private library for pre-scheduled specific research;

• A casual reading lounge for gleaning books before purchase;

• A retail presentation section for sales of items; the retail presentation section will be for the purpose of selling - for profit - antique and modern re-production items similar to the historical presentation display section;

• A historical presentation section for display of historical antiques, artifacts, collectibles, memorabilia, and militaria; this presentation area will be for display of items in typically authentic settings and posture;

• A private meeting room for contributors and approved registered others;

• Further elaboration - The retail section will offer reproduction equipment and accoutrements as is commonly used in historical re-enactments such as American Civil War battle re-enactments. These items will normally be: black-powder percussion, flintlock, and cartridge antique (pre-1898) and reproduction firearms (not regulated and controlled by the BATF); swords, knives, and bayonets; re-loading supplies, ammunition, uniforms, accoutrements, and other historically relevant equipment. No functional modern firearms will be sold at this time; however, we reserve the right to apply for a FFL in the future as the regional and national laws permit. A main focus of this venture will be to obtain a representative example of every US/CS Regulation Military Small-Arm (primary and secondary) inclusive of bayonets, knives, swords, and pre-1898 firearms; it is understood that this may also include peripheral, historically-related items. Along with this, every "arms and armor" reference book - within the financial power of this venture (while remaining fiscally responsible) - will be acquired for use in the Private Contributor Library.
  Again, establishing a research complex is our mission; however, to sustain this - without continued adequate contributions - sales of History-related items - new and used - will be the main source of income. Additionally, it is within the realm of possibility that an import/export business may arise from this venture.

To make this venture a success, it will be necessary to obtain funding to acquire sufficient storefront and floor-space in an area where the desire to preserve our history and heritage is prominent in the local plan. Several possible sites have been selected in the Texas "Hill Country". It is imperative that a building and land be purchased outright, with no liens or encumbrances whatsoever. It is preferred that this be a building of historical interest or of sufficient age to to be considered of "historical interest." A major portion of the funds obtained will go towards this part of the venture, with another substantial portion being directed towards renovation. The current estimated amount to properly begin - and stimulate success - for this venture is estimated at $185,000 (US Dollars), with total funds required in excess of $250,000 (US Dollars) once the core of the arms collection has been procured (this additional amount is an estimate to procure 80 to 90 significant small-arms for the museum).

Overview:

This is a request for un-attached contributions, donations, and grants to create a new business opportunity while offering a comfortable haven for collectors and researchers of historical items. Funding is being requested to purchase a pre-existing building - preferred location in a rural downtown district - and to provide necessary initial upgrades and operating capital (as required) for the 1st year of business (if necessary to draw on such funds). I believe this to be a great and worthwhile venture. The current estimated amount to properly begin - and stimulate success - for this venture is estimated at $185,000 (US Dollars). It is possible that this venture could begin with a lesser amount; this will be evaluated on a periodic basis. But our goal is to succeed, not to fail and walk away. So it is very important to obtain at least half of the estimated funds with remaining half committed in irrevocable pledges before commencement.

Clarifications:

Access to the Private Contributor Library will be limited only to venture contributors of $1,000 (or more) at this time. My personal library, now in excess of 2000 books, will be the initial basis and anchor for this part of the venture.

• Venture contributors will have a "store credit" in the amount of actual initial contribution to the venture. This "store credit" is to be used towards the purchase of antique items offered for retail sale from this venture. This "store credit" will be awarded as 50% off any purchase of antique arms, etc., until the contribution credit is matched. This will function in the following manner: a contributor of $1,000 has a $1,000 "store credit"; this same contributor purchases an antique item offered for sale in the store at $500; the price of the item to the contributor will be $250 up front with the difference of $250 being deducted from the "store credit"; available credit will be reduced by $250 leaving a remainder of $750; the process will continue in like fashion until zero credit is remaining for that contributor. This does not apply to new "non-antique" items, consignments, or items offered for sale in the store by other contributors.

• Venture contributors of $1,000 (or more) will be offered discounts on re-production and newly-made materials offered for sale at a "cost-plus-ten percent" basis (to cover re-stocking expenses), i.e., $100 item cost = $110 to contributor.

• Any items donated to the museum and designated "for historical display section" will not be offered for sale, unless informed by the contributor to do so. The museum will then have right-of-first-refusal at that time; the museum will make a decision within 30 consecutive days. On the 31st day, the item will be offered to the general public, with preference to venture contributors. Sale price will be jointly agreed upon by the item contributor and purchaser; 10% of proceeds will be donated to the museum by the seller.

• Any items accepted by the sales floor - for consignment sale - will be subject to a 20% fee from proceeds by seller.

• $92,500 (US Dollars) required to purchase and renovate building and property;

• $92,500 ($185,000 cumulative) necessary to acquire initial items for reference library, historical display/museum, and continued revenue-producing sales; open for business at this time;

• $65,000 ($250,000 cumulative) to purchase core representative examples of the US/CS arms collection.

To date, pledges are at $27,115.00 in materials, leaving $157,885.00 (US Dollars) needed to meet initial "opening" milestone. This venture will begin to formulate - building and land will be purchased - when $92,500 in actual cash is obtained (cash is what is needed most at this time). If just 92 contributors of $1,000 or more stepped forward - or just 9 contributors of $10,000 or more - this venture would be on the road to reality and success. You are out there...draw a line in the sand...make a stand!
Please help preserve our true "American" History.

C. Alan Russell
Arms to Armor