Some superb items here !!!!

[translator]

Ereic,

I just noticed (pardon my snooping) that you're into WWI Imperial. So am I, my friend. We'll have to discuss it sometime. Definitely an area NOT as plagued by fakery (although, as noted, ALL areas of tangibles collecting from the Renaissance forward in time have been subject to this phenomenon to a greater or lesser degree).

[Eric Stahlhut]

I'm envious of you, as a job as a translator would seem to be a great conduit for learning about militaria. Especially if you are actually exposed to the items personally. A dream job! In your case,sadly, it seems to be not true.

I tip my hat to you for creating your niche in the collecting world. Convincing Hermann that your services were needed. That is very cool.


A couple of tips:

1. Change your user name to a real name.
2. Post a bit on the Imperial Forum.
3. Become an Association Member for a nominal fee.

Welcome!

[translator]

Eric,

I noticed that you're about the same age as my son. When he was 14, I managed to really get him involved (he was taking a WWII history class at the time and frankly this is what started me collecting again; I'd sold all of my blades back in the '80s). At any rate, he's not nearly as interested now; my point is that I NEVER "got disinterested". Sure, there were times when I couldn't afford to buy things, and other times when I was too busy with the "real world" to learn much, but I ALWAYS had a history book by my side (I currently have a library of nearly 1,000 military history-related titles). When I was your age, I took two years of Latin (sadly not offered hardly anywhere these days), then I took three straight years of German. All my high school "pals" thought I was a Nazi, but I was simply interested in Germany and German (actually, European - no, make that world - history). In college (it took me 18 years, not all at once, to get a degree) I took more German classes, including scientific, technical and "business" German. I've collected coins, from ancient to modern, most of my life. There are a lot of European (and many German) auction houses who deal in ancient Roman and Greek coins. I read their catalogs, and learned more words there. So, I thought I was ready to "suggest" something like being a translator to H.H. - little did I know that NO modern dictionary contains the words for the parts of a 16th century suit of armor, swords, articles of military clothing, etc. It was tough at first, but I stuck with it and prepared a huge "word list" that makes the translations easier the second time around. It's been great fun, and I've learned a ton more history (for example, have you ever heard of the "Fehmic Courts" that used to hang people from trees in 15th-18th century Germany? Neither had I - until I had to translate auction lot descriptions like a red-painted human skull with Fehmic markings on it, and a sword with a hilt made from a human armbone - cool stuff, but it took me two hours to do those three translations. I made all of 40 bucks on them, but what a history lesson I received!). In closing, doing this as a "real job" would definitely not pay my bills - it only brings in about $8K a year. But it would be PERFECT for a guy like you.

God, did I talk too much (sorry)!

[Eric Stahlhut]

It's OK

Just take a closer look at my Birthday. Even Eagle-eyed Ricky Lundstrom missed it. And was kind enough to wish me a happy birthday and rebuke me for being so young.. I am cackling in glee as I type this.

But we digress. So! Lotsa fakes via old Hermann, or what?


Please consider becoming a member of our association if you are serious about militaria. I personally would love to see a pic of a red-painted human skull with Fehmic markings posted on the Imperial forum. I know you don't own it, but still! It would make my day! And stump (no pun intended) everyone.

[translator]

Eric,

Or shall I call you "Eric Steel-Hat", your true Germanic name? I've checked again, and once again I come up with 15 years of age for you, provided as it says you were born in 1987. Regardless, you handle yourself like a much older individual (which in time will become a curse, no doubt. But once again I digress).

I'll see you on the Imperial forum. I collected a number of 1914 EKs in my time, as well as the Pour le Merite.

No comment on Hermann; I've heard mixed reviews especially regarding Third Reich material although I know they've brought on an "expert" for the past several sales to try and filter out the obvious "anomalies" before they get published. In my opinion, they do a very good job on objects from every other period of history but the 3rd Reich material is just extremely tough to screen.

'Nuff said - time for bed. It's been a pleasure and we shall be in touch on the 'net.