Going Over the Top ; A History and Collecting podcast

In today's episode Mark and Ken look at the development of fighting knives throughout the last 1000 years . They give an overview of how depending on armour or lack thereof the knives purpose and profiles changed.Alongside this the boys live bid on an auction in the North in a segment that is a first for the pod. Recent finds in carboot and in auctions are discussed and the highs and lows of the current collectors market. So stay tuned

In this episode Mark and Ken delve into the topic of restoration and when it can make or break the items value. They struggle through he quagmire of when can restoration be detrimental to an items histrical value and working within one's abilities. They give tips and tricks for gentle cleaning and small restoration techniques that through slow processes can bring an item back to its former glory. Also in this episode the boys go over some new purchases from some northern irish auctions and plan the upcoming auctions in the calendars.

In this episode Ken and Mark delve into the world of Cycling memorabilia and from this stem into sports gear collection. From sporting kit to trophies the boys go through their own modest sporting collections and the deals that got them to it. Ken brings over a new acquisition in the form of some 1960s Tour de France gear from a team member and how he came across it in a pile of house clearance items at Athy Car Boot . We also look into the world of vinted and some new acquisitions to raise the quality if the Pod. If you are a sports fan or a cycling enthusiast tune in to hear what they have to say about building your sporting collection.

In this episode Mark And Ken discuss the differences in carbootsales and markets and also the differences between the ones seen in Ireland and England vs the rest of the world .They also get into the best strategies for finding gems in the rough but also what kind of Carboots to stay away from.

In this episode we are indulging in one of Marks smaller and growing collection Antique watches and Wristlets. The duo discuss the development of watches from starting in pockets on chains to becoming a part of every soldiers kit and finally into the fashionable party's postbellum. Even without being experts the lads hold their own to discuss the great makers and the changes that turned a military and expensive item into one we use every day. Alongside this we discuss the latest carboot gossip and our wins and losses from mealys most recent auction.

In this episode Ken and Mark go through their Major do's and don'ts of collecting . These are the rules that they try to stick to when both buying and selling to grow their hobby. Whilst not the comprehensive list this might just be the kernel of information that you require to keep yourself on the straight and narrow in your collecting journey. Alongside this Ken sells Mark some bits live on air and Mark gove an update on his newest Wilkinson sword

During this episode of going over the top Ken and Mark discuss their bumper weekend at the bank holidays big markets as well as Mark getting his research back on his new Wilkinson swords. Can reveals his new uniform which is connected to the 101st airborne and the guys from Band of Brothers. Lots of items were bought over this weekend and the discussion is in full flow on how good a three-day bank holiday spree can be or how empty you could leave driving out the gates .So listen out and we hope you enjoy the show

In this episode we work through the process go getting items ready for sale in auction. We go through the total process from choosing an auction house to hopefully getting paid or if unsuccessful collecting your unsold lots. Mark and Ken work through personal preferences with auctionhouses and their own tales from the auction room .So if your looking to downsize your collection or looking to help move on someone else's bits this may be the episode for you.

In this episode we discuss All things Zulu and delve into some bits in Kens Ethnic collection . Mark shows off his unscripted knowledge of South african history (most likely incorrect). Also we cover some bits from auction and finally Mark in a stroke of good fortune from a friend in the auction/collecting fraternity comes across 2 swords that will go straight into his collection.

In this episode we explore how to buy items and grow your collection though using auction houses. From picking an auction through to raising your paddle or clicking the bid button we give our insights and tricks to be successful in the auction room.

In this episode we discuss our trip to Scarva Auctions in the North of ireland and our pickup and bidding tactics there. Ken comes bearing gifts for Mark in the form of world war 1 magazines and a cannon Bottle opener . Our main topic of discussion is Silk Esacpe and Evasion maps and the other POW Escape items that one can build a collection from .

In this episode we discuss how to begin your collecting journey and the pitfalls that you must avoid.We also discuss an unfortunate gap in time of recording and did Ken get any of his manifestations.We also talk about our trip north to McAfee Auctions and all our great pickups.

In today's episode we get discussing upcoming auctions what we are looking to get this year and what are the goals for the collection. Alongside this we also discuss the development and the history behind the Brodie helmet from Marks collection . Pictures of the brodie will be posted on our social pages .We have now updated and started some social media pages for the podcast so find us at below :Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@going.over.the.to?_r=1&_t=ZN-95AedGKuwf0Instagram https://www.instagram.com/goingoverthetoppod?igsh=dW5vMWZ5aDhqa2l0Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1H3M741FcZ/

In Episode 1 we explore the background of our hosts and what drove them into collecting . We also look into the reasons why the podcast should exist and what kind of structure it will take. So step up to the parapet and get ready to go over the top and join us on our journey into the ever changing world of History and the items you can own that tell its secrets.