A Mild Rant: Stupid Marketing Names

Published on May 16, 2019
Duration: 6:57

This guide, drawing on the expertise of firearms historian Ian McCollum, explains how marketing names like 'Grey Ghost' (P38) and 'Black Widow' (Luger) were created by dealers to increase sales and collector value, often distorting historical reality. It advises collectors to focus on a firearm's actual historical significance and production details rather than catchy, dealer-invented labels. Understanding these marketing tactics is crucial for making informed collecting decisions.

Quick Summary

Firearms historian Ian McCollum explains that names like 'Grey Ghost' (P38) and 'Black Widow' (Luger) are marketing inventions by dealers to increase value, often distorting historical reality. He advises collectors to focus on a firearm's actual historical significance and production details rather than these dealer-created labels.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Marketing Names
  2. 00:17The 'Grey Ghost' P38 Explained
  3. 01:19The 'Black Widow' Luger Explained
  4. 03:38Origins of the 'Black Widow' Name
  5. 04:16Impact on Collectibility
  6. 05:55Conclusion and Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Grey Ghost' P38?

The 'Grey Ghost' P38 is a marketing term, originating from an Interarms advertisement, for late-war or post-war (1945-1946) French-produced P38 pistols. These were often parkerized instead of blued to save time and resources during production.

What defines a 'Black Widow' Luger?

A 'Black Widow' Luger refers to Mauser-produced Lugers from 1941-1942, identified by the 'BYF' code, that feature black plastic (Bakelite) grips and magazine floor plates. This name was coined by dealer Ralph Shattuck.

Why are marketing names like 'Black Widow' problematic for collectors?

Marketing names can distort historical reality and inflate collector value. This leads some collectors to alter original firearms, like swapping wood grips for black plastic ones, to match the 'Black Widow' designation, thereby destroying historical integrity.

What advice does Ian McCollum give to firearms collectors?

Ian McCollum advises collectors to prioritize purchasing firearms based on their actual historical significance, production periods, and manufacturing transitions, rather than relying on 'sexy' aftermarket names created by dealers decades ago.

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