Here's a shot of my collection in the '60's

[Ed Tainton]

[kennethc]

Edwin,

Was that a Grand Cross or just a picture of RK on a book/tiles?



regards
ken

[Denis]

Hello
Thanks for sharing this one.
Is it still yours ? Where all of these (especially the ones on upper row) were obtained ?
Regards
Denis

[Ed Tainton]

Picture Grand Cross

The Hindenburg cross was a very good museum copy I obtained from aimmigrated German soldier who was in the Panzer Corps with over 12 kills. The Grand Cross was in pieces so I gave it 12 washes of gold, repaired and replaced the inner cross (used black metal paint). It may still be out there somewhere as I traded it for U.S. Naval medal of Honour. I was young then and trading was one of the things I enjoyed doing. You never knew what you received in trade. It was all mail delivery then and not too many bad dealers were around.

[Ed Tainton]

Grand Cross

The Grand Cross on the right of the picture was a very good reproduction. I beleive it had 999 silver markings. It must still be around as I traded that for some platinum Russian medals that were also traded later for 2 other U.S. medals of Honour. Medals of Honours in the 60's were easily available around $80 to $100
and they were all originals. My memory is slowly returning. I sure enjoyed collecting when I was young. Its a good hobby but you have to be careful not to overspend. The rent and the bills have to be paid and your wife is watching you. You have to have a good story on where you received your medals. You were the first one to get the mail.

[Ed Tainton]

Picture of collection

That picture was taken by the newspaper and published in the paper. I was worried some nut would get mad at me. The facination of collecting remanents of the past (especially wars & conflicts) gets into your blood. As a veteran I wish we had not fought that war but we had to free the people who were under the thumbs of the brutal Nazi. I always tell collectors to specialize when they are collecting. Pick the subject you like and read all the history you can on the same subject, then branch out to other things . Spend what you can afford. And watch your spending on E/Bay. You may get the odd bargain but the dealers are out to make money. The e/Bay is like those gambling machines. There are a lot of honest dealers out there. Hey maybe this forum is not for lecturers so I've said enough.

[frank]

Ciao

Thanks for this beautiful story and suggestion!
At that time I was probably only collecting plastic soldiers!
Are you still so charming as in that pictures?

Do you still have a medal of honour? I'd love to see one and probably have it, how much is its value now?

I also would love to see some pictures or at least a description of your current collection.

Ciao

[kennethc]

Edwin,

I miss that T.V behind you.. let me know if you still have it for sale.



ken

[Ed Tainton]

Collection sell TV

TV long gone. The annoucer was talking about JFK getting shot.

[CBSPERRY]

Incredible grouping Edwin. Very impressive. Patience is a virtue in this hobby . And I agree with you about the great ebay roulette wheel ... I just .. well stay away ..

[AnttiP]

Like this one a lot!

Welcoma aboard Edwin!

I must say that I like the way you had them displayed. (Descriptions above the medals.)

Antti

[DJT]

Hi Edwin,

There are 3 cases on the left on their own. Did the one on the bottom contain a Canadian Para grouping? I think I can make out a Canadian Para wing there but I`m not sure. If I`m right can you remember what this grouping was?

Regards,

Des

[Ed Tainton]

Para

Yes. I used to collect famous chests but I can't remember what that one was. It will come back to me. There was also some Canadian Airforce insignia back when it was called Canadian Air Force, I think in 1924. They were in silver ie. silver bomb etc. They were traded for something. I enjoyed trading for new items. Of course now I regret trading them but thats part of collecting and of course how much money you have to blow. If I remember the famous chest I drop you a note. Thanks