In a message dated 97-03-21 18:15:10 EST, [log in to unmask] (David
Haberstich) writes:

> Adrienne, during this period of occasional anti-government paranoia and
>  hyperbole, it might be a good idea to cite a specific, documented
>  instance of the ATF confiscating a gun owned by a museum--lest more
>  hearsay exacerbate the problem. --David Haberstich

Hi David! Excellent point. I have been reduced to lurking more often than not
as of late, and my list communication skills have gotten rusty, so again I
apologize. What I should have said is that I heard this story at a NRA gun
show and it happened to a private dealer who reluctantly exhibited some of
his prize possessions and had this happen to him. HE did not have any
provenance on the gun in question and it prompted a discussion at our museum
when we were contemplating how to mount the guns for our travelling exhibit
(which was going to be out from under our supervision at various times). Like
the objects at many museums, many of our "prized" possessions were not only
lacking provenance, but did not even have records of the donor of the gun!
However, the chances of ATF going after a museum is slim to none (IMHO),
other than the NRA's museum.

- Adrienne