I've been a full-time mineral dealer since 1957. Over the years I've managed to assemble a private collection of classic, rare, and gem minerals. My business activities over the last 30 years have been limited mostly to the Pakistan-Afghanistan area and my collection is particularly rich in specimens from there, but I enjoy adding fine classics to my collection when available. I also collect antiquarian books (mineralogy, crystallography, mining, and gemmology), antique scientific instruments (goniometers, refractometers, crystal models, etc.), antique Meissen and other porcelain with mining motifs, as well as other antique, worldwide, mining memorabilia.

My wife Monika is a keen collecting companion, and together we have put together collections of antique (1890-1915) postcards and trade cards with depictions of birthstones, mines, minerals and other earth science related themes. We also started collecting antique inlaid stone (intarsia) articles from the Karlsbad area of Bohemia. We are always looking for new directions in which to expand.

In August 2008 Marty Zinn invited us to display a part of our collections at the East Coast Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show in Springfield, Massachussetts. We filled 53 cases with all sorts of mineral related items and, in case you were not able to attend the show, we invite you to view the display in its entirety at a new website we just put up. The site is still under construction so please check regularly for updates... www.oboddacollection.com. We wish to thank Marty for the opportunity to share our "treasures" with all who have similar interests.