Hello, Welcome and here is some free advice
Hi there...I started here a few months ago and I am sure some of the guys thought I stayed up all night thinking up stupid questions to ask. However, each and every one was answered. I've even made a few good friends here now.
My advise is to buy only off the estand here for awhile. In fact some members buy only from here because the items are good and so are the prices. I didn't do that when I started as I hadn't found this site at that time. I got stung with some fakes that looked so darn good. Not just EK either. War badges as well. You run a significant risk of being taken for a ride at the militaria shows. There are lots of good guys at the shows but just enough not so good ones as to make it a real risk for a newbie. No offence meant but if you are asking how to tell an EKI from and EKII then you are very much a newbie. No shame in that by the way. As was said by one of the others, we were all there at one time and periodically find ourselves back there when we enter a new area of collection. I just learned today the difference between red feet and black feet on a Lubeck Cross. Whole new area to me.
You need to get yourself a good digital camera. Take photo's of what you plan to buy (if not from the estand) then post them for opinion. All reputable dealers will allow that these days. If they don't then move on.
Don't rush. Awards were made in the millions. They are fun to collect but you will quickly sour of the hobby if you get burned, so take your time.
If you need help just ask for it. I'm at a stage now where I can assist with some of the basic questions, which is fun for me and is paying back a bit for all the help I got, and the Forum is full of people far more knowledgeable than I who will jump in when the need arises.
By the way...have a good look at post #5. That's a Souval frame cross. A very nice authentic TR period one I might add. You should certainly read Peter Wikings Souval Frame article here on the site before getting into that type of cross.
Kind Regards,
Stu
Hi there...I started here a few months ago and I am sure some of the guys thought I stayed up all night thinking up stupid questions to ask. However, each and every one was answered. I've even made a few good friends here now.
My advise is to buy only off the estand here for awhile. In fact some members buy only from here because the items are good and so are the prices. I didn't do that when I started as I hadn't found this site at that time. I got stung with some fakes that looked so darn good. Not just EK either. War badges as well. You run a significant risk of being taken for a ride at the militaria shows. There are lots of good guys at the shows but just enough not so good ones as to make it a real risk for a newbie. No offence meant but if you are asking how to tell an EKI from and EKII then you are very much a newbie. No shame in that by the way. As was said by one of the others, we were all there at one time and periodically find ourselves back there when we enter a new area of collection. I just learned today the difference between red feet and black feet on a Lubeck Cross. Whole new area to me.
You need to get yourself a good digital camera. Take photo's of what you plan to buy (if not from the estand) then post them for opinion. All reputable dealers will allow that these days. If they don't then move on.
Don't rush. Awards were made in the millions. They are fun to collect but you will quickly sour of the hobby if you get burned, so take your time.
If you need help just ask for it. I'm at a stage now where I can assist with some of the basic questions, which is fun for me and is paying back a bit for all the help I got, and the Forum is full of people far more knowledgeable than I who will jump in when the need arises.
By the way...have a good look at post #5. That's a Souval frame cross. A very nice authentic TR period one I might add. You should certainly read Peter Wikings Souval Frame article here on the site before getting into that type of cross.
Kind Regards,
Stu
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