The Tom Nelson Collection

Sarco has acquired the lifetime personal replica gun collection of Thomas B. Nelson. A long-time collector, importer, and dealer in the industry, Tom’s career started at the world-famous Interarms. From warehouse employee all the way up to vice president, he traveled the world pursuing military surplus and even sold Cholly Steen one of his first deals in 1963. Tom was also an avid author, publishing multiple books on 20th century firearms.

However, Tom is best known as the founder of RMI (Replica Models Inc.) and Collector’s Armory. For over 40 years Tom was the foremost marketer of model guns in the US, importing millions of replica and airsoft guns from Japan, Korea, and other countries. He worked closely with manufacturers such as MGC, Marushin, Marzen, and Hudson, along with many others, and in many ways became the father of the reproduction gun industry in the United States.

Throughout his career Tom saved one of every model he brought to market, a collection that eventually totaled over 300 replicas and would be impossible to reassemble again. Many are tool room and development models never before seen by the public. Now in possession of these rare and collectible pieces, Sarco has worked to sort and identify these treasures and is now ready to list them for sale. Don’t miss out on your chance to get your very own piece of replica firearm history!