My First Gun Show

My First Gun Show

by Don Nichols

Home on military leave in 1946 (USMC), gun collector friends said there was a gun show in Columbus, Ohio. I asked what it was all about and my friends explained that gun collectors displayed their collections on tables. This event was put on by the Ohio Gun Collectors Association. Buying, selling or trading guns in the show area was strictly prohibited. However such transactions could take place outside in the parking lot.

Upon arriving at the show in downtown Columbus, Ohio, we were informed that everyone attending must be a member of the association. However the show director waived the rule for me since I was in the military and vouched for by my friends who were members. I said I would join the association. I was informed that in order to join the Ohio Gun Collectors Association, one must also be a member in good standing of the National Rifle Association. I said I would join up at a later date.

Upon going to the show, I had never seen so many guns in one place. No modern firearms were permitted of any kind. Generally, most firearms displayed, were from the Civil War period, back through the French and Indian Wars era. I came across one table that was all Civil War cap and ball revolvers. I had been looking for an 1860 Army Colt, in excellent condition for shooting.

I asked the gentleman who had the display, if he might have an 1860 Army Colt in shooting condition. He replied that he might have, and if I would stop by his table at noon, we would go out to the parking lot and take a look. At noon, I stopped by his table and we went out to the parking lot. Sure enough, he had a nice 1860 Army Colt, not much finish, but excellent condition, very good bore, good grips, and good nipples. “How much?” I asked. “Seven fifty” he said. Home on military leave, I only had $5.00 to spare, which I offered. The man said “No, I can’t do that”… Needless to say, I was a bit down in the mouth. As we were walking back into the show, the man asked “What’s your name son”?

“Don Nichols”, I replied… After a few more steps he stopped. “Would you be any relation to Sam Nichols from Chillicothe”? “Yes, he’s my father”.  Sticking out his hand “put ‘er there Don, I’m Dr. Perrin, I am the doctor that helped bring you into the world”…

Yep, I got the Colt for $5.00.

Don Nichols had been a member of the Arizona Arms Association for 23+ years and resided in Tucson, AZ.