Articles of War: Junior Lawrence Fein and his father Chris, collect military artifacts

The basement is stuffed with rows of shelves displaying lined up green military helmets. Flags from around the world adorn the wall — America, Germany, Japan. Mannequins wearing antique military uniforms. Binders full of soldiers’ patches. If anyone visits junior Lawrence Fein’s home, they make sure to take a trip downstairs.

Right underneath the first floor living room is Lawrence and his father, Chris’, expansive collection of military artifacts — they're relics of war that date from modern day, all the way back to 1802.

Chris’ collection is what comes from a history-obsessed childhood and a mother who was an antique dealer who often took him to estate sales. And as he grew older, he slowly compiled more and more artifacts.

Though Chris has been collecting ever since he was around 10, he didn't take it seriously — not until Lawrence began to show interest in the hobby too.

Just like how Chris was interested in history as a kid, Lawrence has been raised by his father to be a history lover, constantly taking trips to the World War I Museum in downtown Kansas City.

“We’ve had a membership to the World War I Museum since we moved to Kansas [when I was three],” Lawrence said. “I’ve probably gone like 100 times.”

With his upbringing, one could assume it was destiny for Lawrence to lend his hand in the collection.

And he has.

“Lawrence took interest when my mom brought my childhood collection to the house because she wanted it out of her basement,” Chris said. “That’s what started the two of us [collecting] together.”

Ever since then, the two have spent hours placing bids in auctions, scouring thrift stores, sifting through private collections and buying from estate sales — all to find new additions to their collection.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with my dad just going to people’s storage areas or their basements after their family members pass away, just looking for stuff [to buy],” Lawrence said.

And throughout years of collecting, the two have acquired legions of antiques they’re passionate about.

Lawrence's first artifact was a gift from Chris when he was 6 — a 1960s letter opener in the shape of an officer’s sword.

But Lawrence’s favorite item and also what he believes to be the most valuable in the collection is a Hussar Busby, a furry black cap worn by Hungarian cavalrymen during the 18th and 19th century.

And, according to Lawrence, they have the same amount of Hussar Busby’s as the World War I Museum.

“It was really cool when we walked in [the World War One Museum] after we got our Busby, and my dad was like ‘Yeah, we have the same amount as them now,’” Lawrence said.

For Chris, his favorite artifact is an American Fighter Pilot’s helmet from World War II produced by Spalding, the same company that used to make basketballs for the NBA.

Unfortunately for the collectors, not every item they acquire is authentic. Chris once bought a few military canteens he believed were genuine bottles from World War II.

Yet, upon further research, he discovered the only war the canteens saw was controlled under the warm glow of set lights as props for the 2002 film “Windtalkers.”

Another setback they’ve faced is regret. According to Chris, he’s sold off items that he had lost interest in, only to regret it later on in his collecting career.

But Chris has been able to see the positives; he says it's a self-sustaining collection. A great way to keep new items flowing in — and to keep his wife happy — is to sell off unwanted items and use the profits to buy the relics he desires.

Over the years, the two have been able to teach each other about different aspects of history they're interested in and like to collect.

“I think my favorite part at this point is that we each have different interests and teach each other about those,” Chris said.

And despite the pair’s passion for history being a driving force, the collection is mainly an opportunity to bond and soak in the valuable time they have together.

“A lot of the time it's not really as much about finding the stuff, it’s just spending time with my family,” Fein said. “The stuff is cool that we find, but sometimes I just wanna spend time with my dad.”