Meet the Norfolk man with 1,200 guns in his shed
Rod Scott, former head of the Desert Rats Association, who has an impressive collection of military equipment and memorabilia which he houses in a ‘museum’ at his home. He’s had lots of famous visitors including the head of NATO. - Credit: Gregg Brown
A man's shed has long been a place for him to pursue his passions.
Rod Scott, former head of the Desert Rats Association, who has an impressive collection of military equipment and memorabilia which he houses in a ‘museum’ at his home. He’s had lots of famous visitors including the head of NATO. - Credit: Gregg Brown
And that is certainly the case for Rod Scott, who has filled his with a military memorabilia collection it has taken him six decades to compile.
The 70-year-old former chairman of the Desert Rats Association, which is based in Mundford, has been interested in militaria since he was a boy and has picked up pieces from auctions, antique shops and acquaintances within the military over the years.
Rod Scott, former head of the Desert Rats Association, who has an impressive collection of military equipment and memorabilia which he houses in a ‘museum’ at his home. He’s had lots of famous visitors including the head of NATO. - Credit: Gregg Brown
His collection features more than 1,200 guns – all of which are licensed.
They are a mixture of sporting and military weapons used in battles including the Napoleonic and Franco-Prussian wars.
Rod Scott, former head of the Desert Rats Association, who has an impressive collection of military equipment and memorabilia which he houses in a ‘museum’ at his home. He’s had lots of famous visitors including the head of NATO. - Credit: Gregg Brown
Mr Scott said: 'It is a hobby that I am absolutely absorbed in. It gives me more pleasure than I could begin to tell you. I don't promote war, but it's about all the little things that are left behind.'
In a display about Tipu Sultan, who was killed in a siege by the British army in India in 1799, there are two rampart guns featuring Tipu's original engravings and a rare handheld cannon dating from around 1600, as well as a tiger skin and skull.
Rod Scott, former head of the Desert Rats Association, who has an impressive collection of military equipment and memorabilia which he houses in a ‘museum’ at his home. He’s had lots of famous visitors including the head of NATO. - Credit: Gregg Brown
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Mr Scott invites some visitors to see his makeshift museum. His collection of weapons from the American Civil War prompted Robert Kennedy, a cousin of the former American president, to pay a visit. A former Crown Prince of Austria has also been among his visitors.
Because of the nature – and value – of Mr Scott's collection, his shed, in an undisclosed location, is not quite like others: it is concrete, with walls and a floor several inches thick and alarm systems connected to five local police stations.
Rod Scott, former head of the Desert Rats Association, who has an impressive collection of military equipment and memorabilia which he houses in a ‘museum’ at his home. He’s had lots of famous visitors including the head of NATO. - Credit: Gregg Brown
Do you have an amazing collection? Email bethany.whymark@archant.co.uk
Rod Scott, former head of the Desert Rats Association, who has an impressive collection of military equipment and memorabilia which he houses in a ‘museum’ at his home. He’s had lots of famous visitors including the head of NATO. - Credit: Gregg Brown
