Manitoba man builds 9,000-item Indiana Jones collection over 40 years
A Manitoba man has been collecting Indiana Jones memorabilia for the past 40 years, amassing what may be the world's largest collection in honour of the fictional adventuring archeologist.
When Indiana Jones and The Raiders of the Lost Ark was first advertised in 1981, Les David wasn’t interested in seeing it – not even a little.
"I saw the commercials, and it's a World War 2 movie," said David. "And that's just not my genre. I'm not knocking it, but it's just not my thing."
But he went to the movie as a favour to a friend. Two hours later, he said his jaw dropped.
"I was not prepared for that rollercoaster ride at all," he said.
It is rollercoaster ride he's been on for 40 years, and the proof of David's lifelong love affair with the film franchise can be found in a custom-made building on his rural Manitoba property where he keeps his vast collection of Indiana Jones memorabilia and collectors' items.
"We call it the world's largest Indiana Jones collection," said David. "We're working on certifying that with the Guinness Book of World Records."
Les David has been collecting Indiana Jones memorabilia for the past 40 years, amassing what may be the world's largest collection in honour of the fictional adventuring archeologist. (Source: Jon Hendricks/ CTV News Winnipeg)
(Source: Jon Hendricks/ CTV News Winnipeg)
David has between 8,000 and 9,000 separate Indiana Jones-themed items from around the world.
His collection includes everything from costumes used in the movie, to copies of the films on every format imaginable – even on old camcorders.
"They released the films in full length on camcorder," he said. "The idea being if you were on holiday in a motel you could plug your camcorder and have a portable VCR with you."
In addition to the posters, books, and the many other items in the collection, David has Indiana Jones-themed VLTs specially imported from Japan.
"They were nice enough to go back to the factory and have one of each constructed specifically for us," said David.
Les David has been collecting Indiana Jones memorabilia for the past 40 years, amassing what may be the world's largest collection in honour of the fictional adventuring archeologist. (Source: Jon Hendricks/ CTV News Winnipeg)
(Source: Jon Hendricks/ CTV News Winnipeg)
As you can imagine, assembling a collection like this wasn't easy, and it wasn't cheap either.
While he isn't certain exactly how much he's spent on the collection, David estimates he's spent a quarter million dollars over the past 40 years.
"But don't hold me to that," he says. "It's a best guess."
He doesn't have to guess though about the incredible joy his collection has brought to himself, as well as his family and friends over the years.
Les David has been collecting Indiana Jones memorabilia for the past 40 years, amassing what may be the world's largest collection in honour of the fictional adventuring archeologist. (Source: Jon Hendricks/ CTV News Winnipeg)
(Source: Jon Hendricks/ CTV News Winnipeg)
It is a collection that will almost certainly grow even bigger in the years to come, as Indiana Jones actor Harrison Ford is currently shooting another film in the series.
David is cataloguing every item in his collection – a task that may take a year to complete, but if all goes well, could earn him the title of a Guinness record holder in time for the 2023 edition.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.