1870 ek2 with Totenkopf...VERY CHEEKY re-sale...

[Rick Research]

Nawh, it's a "Freak-corpse."

[Eric Stahlhut]

Nawh, it's a "Freak-corpse."

A Sweedish one at that!

That was a Scandi-Knavian joke!

Which to some is akin to sunlight upon a vampire's undead flesh!

Heee, heeee!

Seriously, though. Rick (as usual) makes a very valid point.....

[Brian R]

I'm definately with Rick on this. This quote is classic...

"Apparently his "market strategy" is Buy At Full Celebrity Dealer God Retail And Then Multiple By Two Or Three As Re-Sale, No Need To THINK Involved."

Dealers are, and should be, motivated by profit. But I think this guy Ken goes above and beyond. I've never made a purchase from him, but until a few months ago, I have always checked out his site. But now, I can't even look - this guy is just plain ridiculous.

[Eric Stahlhut]

The top bit on the ribbon looks to be from a Preussischer Landes-Krieger Verband ribbon.


Cobble, cobble!

[Brian S]

Of course it's cobbled. The desire to consume is becoming overwhelming for some. Then photograph it and start a thread "Look At My New Treasure." Bragging rights have eclipsed common sense.

[Vadim K]

I've seen PLENTY of "questionable" items there-- this sure counts!!! -- as well as mortifyingly basic flat out clueless beginner mistakes. "Knowledgeable" is NOT a general adjective that I would apply there.

I absolutely agree. Just one example of many: the guy repeatedly lists "rare" "unusual" medal bars with awards "mounted in reverse order". One would think that such a big-time dealer would know that those are either regular Frackspanges for civilian wear or medical personnel bars, where reverse mounting was normal. I tried pointing it out to him, only to get a fairly rude reply that he knows what he is doing. Apparently not...

[Rick Research]

Basics....

Who are YOU to criticize an Experienced Professional CDG????????

[Biro]

Wrong forum, I know, but just because we're on the totenkopf subject, here's another....but from a different dealer...

They seem to be all the rage.

I've got my eye out for an RK with one attatched...

[Chris_Werner]

Hey Rick. What are you trying to say? Guess you don't care for Ken, huh?
I agree with you that snob buying is idiotic, but do you think there are people out there that pay double the price for an EKII just to brag that they pay double the price? Not this collector. My wife is already watching me like a hawk without my paying too much for a common item to boot. You don't think that $750 for a cased KO EKI is too expensive, do you?
My experiences with Ken have been OK, and he was pleasant and responsive to my questions. that's as far as I can go in debating the issue with you.
I guess I will have to reach your level of sophistication in collecting to critique the "questionable" items in his inventory, but I'm not a "Forum God" yet!
And wasn't the EKII with TK on another German Dealer's site before Ken got it?

[Bill M]

--Still a rip-off from Winkler at $1K from but $1500?
--Not worth more than an 'unadorned' 1870 EK2 if you ask me. As for Ken - nice guy maybe but his prices aren't, never were.
--Regarding Rick's 'Forum God' status, I guess that's what you get when you bury your face in books and type your fingers to the bone. What, almost 14,000 posts? I'm sure we'd all agree that Ricky's somewhat insane, but in the best possible way.
--If I were a dealer, I'd make damned sure that my descriptions passed code before updating my pages, especially with guys like the Ricks lurking about - and if I wasn't 100% sure, I'd let the pictures do the talking instead of going on and on...

[stogieman]

Uh, boys & Girls.... Let's stay on topic...

I think expressing opinions regarding dealers is one thing... attempting to impune a fellow forum member is another. how about we focus on the topic instead of each other. OK?

Regarding Ken. I like him, I don't buy a lot from him, but he does pop up pieces that are astounding bargains and some outrageous rarities. I bought a $1700 Prussian Air Gunner Badge from him for under $800.... the second REAL one I've seen. Ever.
I would not be so quick to claim this 1870 EK2 as cobbled together. Note that the oakleaves are correctly (per regulation) mounted on the ring of the cross. A point that was not just ignored by the soldiers of the era but is rarely adhered to by fakers as they look really dumb there.
The T.K. (IMO) is period. Who the heck can say when it was added.... I would not rush to condemn the piece. the price (again IMO) is another matter. not for me, but hey, that's my <i>choice</i>. I can choose to spend, or not.
So, he's from another era in a modern world. He can ask whatever he chooses for his merchandise. He runs his shop as a business to make money.
It's the American way.
I don't think you can brutalize him for making mistakes until each of you become perfect. We all make errors in this hobby at one time or another. Some, are very expensive ones, some are not.
Ken and I disagree regarding my favorite subject which we don't need to re-hash here... we each have our opinions and feel strongly based upon our personal experiences.
'nuff said