New to Imperial

[Paul_Mullins]

I am new to collecting Imperial items and I was looking for some pointers where to start, what to start with, and who to buy from. I am mainly interested in collecting field gear and non-dress related items. I would appreciate any input or advice.

Regards,

Paul

[PaulChep]

where

My suggestion is to start with Detlev Niemann. He has the best product at a usually good price.

[Daniel Krause]

Hello Paul,

welcome here in the Imperial side of the Militaria world!
Enjoy collecting and chatting with the nice guys here.

Best regards

Daniel

[Vadim K]

Paul, welcome, you'll learn a LOT here (I know I have). Just stay away from this guy named Rick Lundstrom, a complete loonie and does not know what he is talking about.

Detlev is the best place to start, true, the problem is though that in order to start with Detlev, you first need to manage to buy something from Detlev. Not an easy task.

[Tom Y]

Aw, Vadim, buying from Detlev is easy. Seemy Iron Cross statistics! posting. TEN DAYS it sat there

[Vadim K]

I dunno... Detlev probably dropped it behind the couch?

It happens once in a while, there was a nice Gallipoli star that sat on his site for a month. I would have bought it if I didnt have 3 already. Only seems to happen with Imperial items though...

[Paul_Mullins]

Thanks alot guys! I appreciate to warm welcome. I am currently looking for field used items like belts, canteens, backpacks, and maybe even a hat. Maybe some common wartime medals also. Again thanks alot!
Paul

[JensF.]

Welcome to the Imperial side of life!

[Paul B]

Imperial Field Gear

Hi Paul, welcome to the wonderful world of Imperial collecting! Before you start buying WWI german field kit it's a good idea to become as knowledgable as you can before you hand over any hard earned cash -lots of this gear soldiered on into the post-war, Weimar period and beyond, so some items have repairs, alterations and non-WWI stampings. Visit Tony's website www.kaisersbunker.com for good colour photos of surviving kit -all original and it's free to look at as well! Investing in good reference books is always a smart move, although I don't know of one that specifically covers WWI German field kit -maybe other forum members do and can post suggestions here. In the UK I've had some nice pieces from Colin Lacey at www.militaria-altmarke.co.uk and you may also want to look at www.nomanslandmilitaria.com. I also deal with other UK dealers who have a bit of a mixed reputation, in my opinion the pieces I have recieved and kept are good, but -as with all aspects of our hobby- you owe it to yourself to be as knowledgable as possible before buying. If in doubt, or it seems too good to be true, then either post a thread on this forum ( I'm constantly blown away by the sheer depth of collective knowledge here) or don't part with your cash. Remember that nice pieces of WWI field kit are getting harder to find all the time, but that makes it all the more worthwhile when you get good, original stuff. Hope this helps, good luck and good hunting, Paul.

[leibregiment]

Has anyone got an up to date list of WW1 German dealers, many thanks, Paul

[morel5000]

medals;

straube-orden.de
bretzendorfer.de

Gear and medals;

http://www.butschek-antiques.com
weitze.net;
https://www.history-shop.de/
http://www.philipp-militaria.com/

Best regards,

[l-marcin]

Try www.militarialinks.com . There are about 50 dealers listed currently.

Regards,
Marcin

[Dave Danner]

I would add our own member sashaw: www.woeschler-orden.de

And I would second morel5000's mention of Uwe Bretzendorfer: bretzendorfer.de

In the UK, I would recommend Liverpool Medals - http://www.liverpoolmedals.com/ - which has a reasonably good selection of world medals, including Imperial German.

[morel5000]

D*** I forgot Sashaw of http://www.woeschler-orden.de/, sorry

[saschaw]

No problem, morel5000, and thanks, Dave!

It's always a little honour to be recommended by you collector fellows.