I originally posted the thread on the three cuff titles. I am sorry to say, especially to all those who have PM’ed me asking about their availability, that the cuff titles were sold to WAF members in the US, way back, shortly after the thread was posted in 2012.
It is a tribute to the knowledge that the members of the "WAF" possess, that the cuff titles were identified so quickly, as being original period items, not reproduction, as I half expected. I bought them on gut instinct rather than knowledge, at the time. They looked convincing, they showed significant wear and all appeared to be “tunic” removed. I then had to try and work out if my little “punt” was worth it!
In fact the cuff titles were the original reason I joined this wonderful forum in the first place! As I was a new member at the time, the items did not sell for their full potential. In hindsight, of course there is a calculated risk buying off someone that is a new member and has never sold anything before or participated in post and threads. The only “bad” transaction I have had on the forum was with “Canadian1812” a new-ish member at the time, who fleeced several other collectors before disappearing. Cost me $354USD. BUT that was a once off occurrence.
As it turns out the WAF is a fantastic place to obtain and share information on Third Reich militaria and the history of the period in general. Since joining the WAF in 2012, I have had made many excellent purchases and in more recent times (especially since November last year), sold quite a lot too. I am more confident in purchasing items here on the WAF than from most dealers! I have a medium size box full of bogus items purchased here in Australia from a former militaria business (now closed). I purchased off them initially (beginning up to11-12 years ago) confident due to their size and reputation, that they wouldn't sell items either deliberately or just through negligence, that were fakes, copies or reproductions. I was wrong. As my knowledge grew along with my reference library, I realised that I still needed additional information, as many will collectors will well know, there are just some areas of Third Reich militaria that are obscure and difficult to obtain information on. This is the place to find the information!
I will contact Lars and let him know that the cuff titles are now long gone and may have changed hands several times.
Lars thanks for sharing your family stories. For me wishing artefacts could talk is always part of the wonder of owning (or in my case also digging up) items from the past.
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