Missing Al Frasca and Al’s missing goods

[Filer VII]

When I first got interested in trapdoor Springfield rifles, I was fortunate enough to make a friend of Al Frasca. Over the years, I have enjoyed his advice and counsel, and his insights into trapdoor collecting (both in terms of the arms themselves and the people who populate the business). it was as if a door to the old Armory at Springfield Massachusetts opened, and a friendly scholarly person came out, shook my hand and began a guided tour which lasted for many years. There are very few people like him in the field of antique arms collecting. There should be more.

BTW: I don’t know what the ultimate fate of his wonderful website will be, but I hope it will stay active, so others can appreciate his work and keep learning. And we’re on the subject, I think it would be a great service to the trapdoor collecting field, if people would keep an eye out for the “stolen in Denver“ list on his website. So many of his nice items were taken during a CGCA annual show at the Merchandise Mart by some #_¥()*,!!* dirtbag (my word, not his). No matter how I might wheedle, he never let me talk him into returning. I don’t know if some or all of the items have been found, but if any of them are still out there, it would do my heart good to see all of the details posted to the forums.

[carlsr]

When I first got interested in trapdoor Springfield rifles, I was fortunate enough to make a friend of Al Frasca. Over the years, I have enjoyed his advice and counsel, and his insights into trapdoor collecting (both in terms of the arms themselves and the people who populate the business). it was as if a door to the old Armory at Springfield Massachusetts opened, and a friendly scholarly person came out, shook my hand and began a guided tour which lasted for many years. There are very few people like him in the field of antique arms collecting. There should be more.

BTW: I don’t know what the ultimate fate of his wonderful website will be, but I hope it will stay active, so others can appreciate his work and keep learning. And we’re on the subject, I think it would be a great service to the trapdoor collecting field, if people would keep an eye out for the “stolen in Denver“ list on his website. So many of his nice items were taken during a CGCA annual show at the Merchandise Mart by some #_¥()*,!!* dirtbag (my word, not his). No matter how I might wheedle, he never let me talk him into returning. I don’t know if some or all of the items have been found, but if any of them are still out there, it would do my heart good to see all of the details posted to the forums.

Ditto!! Al was always a pleasure to talk to and always had a great assortment of parts and accoutrements at great prices along with awesome rifles. He was the only seller I know of EVER to send you what you purchased before payment was sent.
I’m not positive but I do believe that his list of stolen in Denver is no longer on his website?
If anyone has the list maybe John S could add it here?

[Dick Hosmer]

Hear, hear! A wonderful description of Al! I had the great pleasure of visiting him and Muriel during one of my visits to Underwriters Labs in Chicago around 1995. I envy those who lived closer and were able to associate with him more often.

As to the trust issue, those on the west coast may remember the late Al Perry of Eugene OR. He, when we barely knew each other, allowed me to take an SA sporting rifle home from a mid-CA show with payment (about 5X the cost of a "normal" TD in those days) to be mailed. I was greatly surprised.

[gew98]

i contacted Al about 1 1/2 years ago about parts because I lucked into an M68-70 with no rod. I put off getting one and emailed him a week ago..and he replied he was retired form collecting parts and all. Shame on me for procrastinating on this. I did note how a large part of his collection was stolen years ago...any of it ever come back to him ?.