Tattoo Acetate Stencils Original Signed Col Todd 1970s at Bert Grimms The Pike

Description

The Colonel was a man that was always glad to help others improve their tattooing. Although he came from an era of "mums the word," he felt that if someone did a better tattoo, it was a better look for tattooing.
I know this first hand. Over the early years of my career the Colonel dropped by Albuquerque from time to time to visit family. When he was in town, he would come by and talk shop. Being a green horn in those years, his visits were invaluable to me. That was 17 years ago.
Things were different then. Information was rarely offered, but if the Colonel thought you were worth your weight, he would help you all he could. If not, he wouldn't give you the time of day. The Colonel was a man of principle and a straight shooter. If he told you a story, you knew it was the straight poop. And the Colonel knew plenty of stories.
The Colonel tattooed for 45 years. He went into the Army at age 16. While in the service, the Colonel experienced his first tattoo raid and had his equipment confiscated. So much for moonlighting in the military. After finishing his hitch he opened his first shop in Denver, Colorado. The Colonel later moved on to Kentucky to separate the military from its money.
Although the Colonel had found success in Kentucky, an artist from California (Bob Shaw) told him to "go west, young man." So he did, and the duo of Col. Todd and Bob Shaw proved to be the most enduring in tattoo history. Their business partnership remained intact till the very end of their industrious careers.
Of the shops they shared Bert Grimm's in Long Beach is the one that most comes to mind. The shop has been a spring board for the careers of some of the most notable artists in the business.
The Colonel felt the secret to success was hard work and giving the best you had. When single needle work first came out, all the old-timers were saying, "No way that stuff can stay in the skin." They made no attempt to credit its worth.
The Colonel on the other hand said, "Hey, I better find out more about this." He wasn't afraid or too proud to ask the young bucks for a few tips of their own.
The Colonel never claimed to be a Rembrandt, but if you wanted a good, clean tattoo in just about any style for a fair price, he was your man. He took pride in every tattoo and it showed.
Thanks
Larry Mora, Son Of Col. Todd..."Photo Not Included"