Many thanks friend.
Many thanks friend.
The best Militaria forum in France is here : http://deutsch-militaria.forumactif.us/
As always, a case like this involves more than meets the eye and I think that from what has been published we can be sure that this individual is likely more of a "wrong 'un" than an innocent collector.
The nature of his wrong doing is of course a matter for the relevant jurisdiction and I for one have every confidence that the judgement handed down will be appropriate (I expect it is already in place).
However, what should concern us here as champions of history is that historically relevant pieces are preserved appropriately. Again, I have confidence in the pragmatism of the German courts (moreso than those of my own country I admit) and expect that the Panther and the 88 will live on in german museums / research establishments. I have a feeling that the Panther will find a new home at somewhere like the Panzer Museum at Muenster-Oertze (formerely Muensterlager for any Brit BAOR vets) which is also a BW training facility and well worth a visit if in the area. The small stuff unless historically significant will almost certainly end up as razor blades!
Moral; don't hide a main battle tank in your cellar if the taxman wants you!!!
Regards
Mark
PS I don't think this was much of a secret hoard and I believe he used to bring the Panther out for a run on occasion! So, it wasn't much of an investigation when the state was after his assets was it?
Last edited by Watchdog; 08-04-2018 at 05:46 PM. Reason: typo
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing he cares more about than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature with no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
Yes Mark I have to agree with you as regards the letter of the law. But it's not as though Herr Flick was a clandestine collector. The existence of the Panther, formerly of Pounds yard was no secret, so I suspect it was the evidence of holocaust related artwork in his collection that ultimately led to his demise, the Panther etc is just heavy metal collateral damage.
Yes, in the past, I saw the Panther and the 8,8 cm before it go in the ground!
Very curious man, he wanted all ! Like Picsou!
The best Militaria forum in France is here : http://deutsch-militaria.forumactif.us/
I understand from a German collector friend that the panther was restored in collaboration with the government, and if that is the case then there is much more going on behind the scenes that we have yet to discover. He will probably die of old age before coming to trial at the rate this is progressing, and I am sure that is what the prosecution hopes for.
Hi BlackCat1982
Herr Flick's Panther wasn't found at Pounds Yard, but Hardwicks Yard Cock Lane Ewell Surrey. It was featured in After the Battle having been discovered by Eddie Kenton. I know something of it as a friend had a Burrell traction engine from there which was parked in front of it. We watched Pickford's recover/low loaders take it away.
Eddie was a founder member of BRA the embryonic start of Living History,
Tiffy
Thanks for posting the correction Tiffy. I should have known as I have a copy of the Wheels and Tracks issue somewhere.
Cocks lane (Cox lane) is 10 minutes from my house - I cycle past it every day (and Pound lane). In fact I think my friend may have purchased a house that was built on top of where the yard was. Shame I never saw the panther when it was there, but i'm glad it has now been restored - just hope it finds an appropriate home some place.
Nick
I hope it gets a good home too..
It does look as though it's been well looked after and restored.
Any news from this Panther?
The best Militaria forum in France is here : http://deutsch-militaria.forumactif.us/
Similar Threads
Bookmarks