Warning: session_start(): open(/var/cpanel/php/sessions/ea-php74/sess_204d087218521d8b4da37eaf7829c44e4dd6ce06b70d3df6, O_RDWR) failed: No space left on device (28) in /home/devwehrmacht/public_html/forums/includes/vb5/frontend/controller/page.php on line 71 Warning: session_start(): Failed to read session data: files (path: /var/cpanel/php/sessions/ea-php74) in /home/devwehrmacht/public_html/forums/includes/vb5/frontend/controller/page.php on line 71 A little advice please... - Wehrmacht-Awards.com Militaria Forums
MilitariaRelicts

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

A little advice please...

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
    #1

    A little advice please...

    Hi all,

    First I must say this site is excellent. I have always had an interest in military decorations especially those from Imperial Germany and its provinces. I have decided to get into collecting pieces from that period of history and would like some advice on how to start. I know from reading the forums that probably one of the most important things is to look out for fakes and it seems eBay is not the friendliest place in the world either. So a few questions if you don't mind:

    1. What are soom good places to order from online? I'm new to the hobby I wouldn't be very good with dealers since I wouldn't know if I was getting my moneys worth, bartering, etc. That and being still in HS I don't know if I would be able to make to alot of shows.

    2. Are there certain items that "every collector should have"? Meaning are there say "common" or "popular" pieces from the Imperial era that are a must for any collection?


    I guess those are my 2 most pressinq questions. Any and all advice is welcome. Now back to reading those articles on the site...

    Best Regards,

    Cole
    Tags: None
    #2
    welcome!

    Hi Cole,

    I'd say that you are on the right track.
    Rule #1 is this: know what you are buying (or at least have a pretty good idea).
    Rule#2:Try to keep impulse purchases at a minimum.

    Perusing the Forums is a great way to help avoid any financial pain later on. In my opinion, there is no "de riguer" type of medal or order one must have. Take your time, eventually you'll decide what types of militaria appeal to you the most.











    Hopefully you won't turn into a Ribbon Bar Pig like a certain someone! Just kidding... again:welcome!

    Comment

      #3
      Hello Cole,
      Welcome to the forum. You asked for opinions about what to collect and where to locate items from the Imperial era. I would suggest you purchase an EK2 with a Hindenburg Cross medal bar. These are very common and very handsome. Every collector remembers that first EK2 Hindenburg cross combo. (An EK is a German abreviation for an Iron Cross, 2 means second class)

      One must have an Iron Cross second class, 1914, if he collects Imperial items. There are many other items to pursue and that depends upon your preferences. Some have shotgun collections, by that I mean a piece from here a piece from there. For example a few medal bars, a spiked helmet or two, a luger, a piece of WWI barbwire, a few period postcards, a few issue documents, trench art, match box covers, ribbon bars, etc. Some guys have sniper collections, this is my own termanology, by sniper collections I mean these guys pinpoint exactly what they want. An example would be a sample of all spiked helments from the various regoins. Other sniper collections would pinpoint upon a certain state such as Saxony, Prussia, or Wurttemburg items to collect. Some guys collect just firearms, some just medals, some just helmets, etc. As for me I am a big time shotgun collector. I grab what appeals to me. I have a little piece of everything. I love it all.

      AS far as where to begin, well there are many sources. If you find something on ebay, post it here. There are many who will help with honest opinions. You could also check out our own E-stand. We also have several dealers who sponsor this site who give a lifetime guarantee. There are many places, search our past threads about dealers. The main thing to understand, which some of us learned the hard way, myself included, is KNOW what you are buying. Good luck, Cole. Thanks for your honest post! And again, welcome to the forum. It will be an experience!

      Comment

        #4
        Herzlich Willkommen

        First and foremost, Cole, research, research, research! Learn what the details are of whatever it is you're wanting. When you know what makes an Iron Cross (or whatever) an Iron Cross, you'll know what makes a fake a fake. Besides, the history you'll learn along the way is fascinating!

        Look under dev.wehrmacht-awards.com and scroll down to "sponsors" - you'll find some trustworthy dealers there.

        I think most collections started with an Iron Cross. The 1914 Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse are plentiful and relatively inexpensive - so they're fairly safe as far as fakes are concerned.

        And as was mentioned, don't let your desire empty your wallet on a questionable piece. Research the piece, watch the market, and wait. This hobby won't dry up before you find the piece that makes your heart skip, so don't settle just because a piece is affordable and readily available!

        Research, ask questions, make notes, repeat.

        Welcome aboard and happy hunting.
        Last edited by Mike H.; 08-17-2002, 02:54 AM.

        Comment

          #5
          The best place to start is with Iron Crosses, Wound Badges and so on-- do NOT get into a big rush to snap up the exotic stuff like flying badges and so on. I've been collecting Imperial seriously for over 25 years, and still don't know enough about flying badges to be confident.

          When I started collecting Imperial back in the '70s, I intended to get "one of everything." that is clearly the work of either several lifetimes, or waaaaaaaaaaay more money than I've ever had to play with.

          But you can still find stuff from several of the smaller states at shows-- if it doesn't have a swastika or pretty enamel, most "sell anything" dealers don't care--or know-- what they've got.

          Spend some time in the old pages here. Click on the topics "from the beginning" at the bottom of the main Imperial Forum page and cruise some of the older than 60 days stuff: there is tons of material in there, lots of scans, and you may find something that you like that gets you to focus on Bavaria, or Baden, or Saxony....

          Be EXTREMELY wary of eCrap medal bars--there are some grotesque monster fraud bars coming on the market now. Junior enlisted men did NOT normally get 10 (before all the 1930s add-ons) and never got 22 (!!) medal bars. Compare what you see here on the Forum with what you may see online or at shows.

          We're here as a knowledge and experience panel that didn't exist when I was your age, and "reference" books used line drawings or fuzzy black and white photos without useful information.

          Comment

            #6
            Welcome!

            Hi Cole, welcome to the forums and to the BEST area of Military Collecting! Imperial Germany can swamp you, so choose wisely, grasshopper! My advice would be to spend some time checking out loads of references in book form, as well as the plethora of postings here that will show you loads of wonderful stuff. Trade with the known dealers, that we have all learned to trust, and endorse. Don't fall into the "bargain" or eBay trap. if it's too good to be true, it probably is. Once you find what really appeals to you, collect what YOU like. I would not council anyone to collect as an investment. Go slowly, ask oodles of questions and you'll do fine! I think all of us here have constantly refined ourselves to the areas we have keen interest in, usually after trying very hard to "get it all!" Regarding eBay, there are some great pieces out there, but ask questions here first!

            Comment

              #7
              Amen to the above!

              Do your homework before you spend! Yes, you are going to make mistakes (we all do) but prosper by them.

              Do not collect for investment!

              Collect what you like, not just what is popular.

              There are quite a number of references about. The fact that you are here at the forums is a positive. People here have an abundance of knowledge.

              And remember, the only stupid question is the question not asked.

              Welcome...and good luck

              David

              Comment

              Previous template Next

              Users Viewing this Thread

              Collapse

              There is currently 1 user online. 0 members and 1 guests.

              Most users ever online was 10,032 at 08:13 PM on 09-28-2024.

              Working...
              X