In a message dated 95-10-17 23:52:41 EDT, you write:

>It seems foolish that such collecting should be proscibed for such interests
>are at the heart of our involvment in the field..  Yet AAM guidelines could
>be read to say we are unethical.
>
>

You should talk to a man by the name of Sam Hoyle. He was the MAP I
Assessment officer who came to our museum (National Firearms Museum) and
discussed this very subject with us. Often times, our curators will use
accoutrements from their own collections to augment an exhibit, etc. simply
b/c the museum cannot afford to obtain these items. Sam confirmed what we
thought, it is unethical for curators to collect privately in competition
with their institutions. This doesn't mean that everyone does not do it
anyway, it is just wrong. You can reach Sam through AAM or I can get his
address for you if you like.

Adrienne DeArmas
National Fireams Museum
Fairfax, VA