Choose Your Weapon
by
Chip Chambers
Opulence Magazine, Spring 2001
If you have a rare antique firearm or a magnificent suite of ancient
armor on your wish list, then there's a good chance that San-Francisco-based Butterfield
and Butterfied's (sp) Greg Martin either owns it or knows where to find it. A
collector since his childhood, Martin has assembled one of the finest and most
complete collections of historic American antique firearms and artifacts in existence.
In fact, Greg Martin is among the most noted authorities on collectable armaments
on the planet.
The affable Martin is, as the current lingo applies, "all
that." A noted author, national television guest, auctioneer and wine connoisseur,
Martin is truly a man for all seasons. He as contributed literary pieces and held
lectures at such museums as the Smithsonian and Parker Lyon-Harrah's Pony Express
Museum, among others. He has recently addressed the International Monetary Conference
held in New Orleans. Martin regularly appears on network and national cable television,
and recently appeared in the BBC documentary and video entitled Son of a Gun.
Martin's current endeavors now include a developing book on the history of California
gold quartz jewelry, slated for release later this year.
Martin resides near San Francisco with his wife, Petra. His showcase home is a
converted Napa winery, Circa 1887 and romantically dubbed Puerta Dorada.
This three-story crushed stone masterpiece lies in the middle of the opulent Martin
estate, which has now been semi-restored into the active winery it once was. Adorned
by fabulous antiques and art at every turn, this splendid extate bespeaks of the
passion the Martins have for fabulous antiques and impeccable decorative tastes.
The grounds have been planted with cabernet sauvignon and Merlot grapes, and the
first floor of the home features a fabulous wine cellar. As they felt obliged
to return the estate to its splendid present state, the grape plantings and cellar
rebirth simply completed the labor of love. "We never had it im mind to grow grapes
again here, buth the Napa Valley has a way of inspiring you," gleams Martin.
In 1995, Martin presented a one-man exhibition of Buffalo Bill artifacts at the
Behring-Hofman UC Museum. He followed that triumph with participation in a major
exhibition of Colt firearms at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut.
Additionally, he contributed to a major exhibit with the Tower of London on Buffalo
Bill's Wild West, which opened in 1999 at the Museum's new facility in Leeds,
U.K.
As the director of San Francisco-based Butterfield's (sp) Arms and
Armor Department, Martin has overseen sales of over $100 million dollars, making
the esteemed gallery the world leader in such fare. Butterfield and Butterfield's
(sp) auction events are anticipated by lovers of such rare and unique items, many
of these decorating the homes of celebrities and other notable personalities.
You never know whom you'll spot at one of those auction events.
Ever present,
however, will be Greg Martin, always in relentless and passionate persuit of that
intriguing next piece. With an engaging personality that shines like the suites
of armor he knows so well, Greg Martin is truely one for the ages.
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