Worn vs. Mint????

[CWP]

I have no KCs but wouldn't want a mint one. In my opinion, the history of an item begins when it is issued to a soldier. To me, an unissued item that never saw the light of day in the Third Reich is only an example of period design and manufacturing, not something that reflects the history of combat on the battlefield the way a worn piece does. I put together mannequins and try to get beat-up badges to display with my salty field tunics, I think this reflects the appearance of the pieces as they were worn. In many cases, I look for the worst condition items possible, as I feel that traces of wear and period repairs reflect the historical usage of the item. Of the crosses shown in this thread, Ludwig's is my absolute favorite. Here is my favorite EK1, a very worn Deumer that was vaulted by the recipient.

[CWP]

The recipient scratched some information on his back- his name, date of birth (in 1920), hometown, unit (2./I.R. 60) and the word "Russland." Even without this, I still think the cross' worn appearance and patina gives it a cool "field look" and a sense of age and history that something brand-new looking can not attain.

[Ludwig]

Delicious!!!

[DavidB]

Like another member said earlier in the thread. If I would buy a certain EK1 just to own a EK1, I would probably try and get one in a near mint condition.
If I get a item that is attributed, I prefer some wear to it!

I pretty much only collect attributed items so most items in my collection have some or alot of wear.

David

[gregM]

I like a cross that shows it's age. Not beat up but worn with pride.
A solid silver frame with nice patina on it really gets me going.

[Stahlhelm]

Well, I am not alone in the world of those who cannot affort more than one piece for each example!!!! I thought but I see there are more of us.

For the rest I agreed with you too. Exactly in this: "I like the minty condition [I can affort]. I want each piece to somehow, in the last effecting way, look its age." I preffer a piece who was there than a really minty piece who was in the closet.

Regards

Edgar

Edgar:

You and I agree 100%!

Chris

[Stahlhelm]

I must say that this is a very interesting thread, indeed! In reading through it, it does appear to me that the "worn" appearance preference is leading by a considerable margin, at this point. Very interesting!

Chris

[all1knew]

I must say that this is a very interesting thread, indeed! In reading through it, it does appear to me that the "worn" appearance preference is leading by a considerable margin, at this point. Very interesting!

Chris

Hello,

This may be true, but in the world of antique collectibles mint always brings in the premium over worn examples. Let's take into consideration that this does not necessarily refer to WWII combat awards, as they are as such: combat awards. In knowing this and seeing that many people prefer the worn examples I would say that it is an even match considering this. I can't see too many people not understanding that of course it "should be" worn as these are items of a world war.

William Kramer

[Stahlhelm]

Hello,

This may be true, but in the world of antique collectibles mint always brings in the premium over worn examples. Let's take into consideration that this does not necessarily refer to WWII combat awards, as they are as such: combat awards. In knowing this and seeing that many people prefer the worn examples I would say that it is an even match considering this. I can't see too many people not understanding that of course it "should be" worn as these are items of a world war.

William Kramer

Yes. That makes total sense, William. I think that militaria collectors are among the few who make such exceptions with condition and related value. I guess it's just the nature of what makes a good war/military antique.

Chris

[Rob E.]

I like them worn, but not looking like a typical ground dug item.

[ChrisJ]

Chris,
About those crosses in post #12 ---don't you think the climate in Asia is probably not good for them? Wouldn't it be better in the long run for you just to send them to me for safekeeping..................?
Very impressive!
Leroy

Dont worry, Leroy...have no fear they are preserved very very well !

[ChrisJ]

Ludwig Harry & Jeroen

Fabulous pieces.....Ludwig, the dot Junckers set is delicious, as is the S&L Jeroen...

Yep Harry, I guess the diamond type catch is the same on your case....lovely piece by the way (now tha one does need good preservation !

Great thread guys, and good weekend viewing !

[JRA]

Posting for Stefan

Dear collectors,

I'm posting these beauties for Stefan. I'm sure he will comment them.

Enjoy,


Jeroen

[JRA]

2nd

And another one.

[ChrisJ]

Here is my favorite EK1, a very worn Deumer that was vaulted by the recipient.

That one can certainly tell a story or two Chris !....great