Introductory Question(s)

[John Karavos]

Hello Folks,

I apologize for posting in this forum as my question is sort of a multi-faceted one, and not directly related to solely Cross awards.

I'm a fairly young man from Toronto, Canada. I'm interested in the acquisition of various Reich memorabilia, including; Visors, badges, crosses, uniforms, mess kits, etc.. from most of WW2 Germany, excluding the Kriegmarines, not very interested in that..

Now, I'd like to know where I can find guides or advice explaining sources, authenticity etc of memorabilia.
Furthermore, I wanted to know if anybody knew of any Canadian laws regarding the import of such materials.

I've browsed the emedals site which is fairly local to myself, as well as the Espenlaub Militaria site, which is further away. Are these sites fairly reputable?

Regards,

John

[Hank C.]

Hello Folks,

I apologize for posting in this forum as my question is sort of a multi-faceted one, and not directly related to solely Cross awards.

I'm a fairly young man from Toronto, Canada. I'm interested in the acquisition of various Reich memorabilia, including; Visors, badges, crosses, uniforms, mess kits, etc.. from most of WW2 Germany, excluding the Kriegmarines, not very interested in that..

Now, I'd like to know where I can find guides or advice explaining sources, authenticity etc of memorabilia.
Furthermore, I wanted to know if anybody knew of any Canadian laws regarding the import of such materials.

I've browsed the emedals site which is fairly local to myself, as well as the Espenlaub Militaria site, which is further away. Are these sites fairly reputable?

Regards,

John

First - welcome to the Forum.

Second - whatever you want to collect, find the pertinent sub-forum here, and READ! If you find something you want to buy, don't hesitate to post it here & ask for opinions.

Both websites mentioned are reputable to buy from, but as with ALL dealers, once in awhile something may slip past their review. Post here first before parting with $$$.

all the best
Hank

[AUSGANG]

This is a great place to get all the information you 'll need... The membership fees are worth every penny and will save you many dollars in the long run...

[beuwulf]

I can only agree with previous members,search & you will find..

[Ludwig]

Hi,
Welcome to the WAF!
First of all, sweep this (and other forums!) forum regulary and don´t hesitate to ask!
Second, buy a bunch of good books. You can ask for advise which ones, here. Books are expensive, but if you lack of knowledge, and buy crap, it can be even more expensive.
If you intend to deal with the companies mentioned, you have to know what you are doing! IMO.

[Douglas 5]

Welcome to the forum .
Yes - do your home work and reading !

Douglas

[Stepdale]

John,
I second all that those above have stated. Like you, I tend to collect a wide variety of items, and when it comes to German militaria, no single collector can amass the knowledge necessary to distinguish all of the good items from the bad. German militaria has been faked since the end of the war and the fakers have gotten progressively better at what they do, so the collective knowledge on the WAF will save you a lot of money if you research and post here before you buy.
Dale

[Waffenreich]

Welcome John.

As the others have said - browse the different Forums within WAF and start to gather as much information as you can as in this hobby like any other, knowledge is power.

Use the Search function and type in whatever has your interest at the moment and read a few Threads that deal specifically in that item. You'll find good info on characteristics of originality, and repros.

If you have paid to become an Association Member (highly recommended) go to the E-stand and look at what items are going for. You'll get a good idea of where the market is on certain items. This way you won't go to one of the many "boutique dealers" on the internet and pay $200 for a West Wall Medal, or $100 for an Army Sports Shirt Eagle.

Lastly - if you have the opportunity to go to a fairly decent sized show I'd highly recommend it. Go with, or meet-up with somebody knowledgeable so you can handle items and get to know what makes what - what. Also, with the economic situation the way it has been and fact that dealers don't have throngs of young collectors clamoring to throw their hard earned money at them many are very willing to deal when you flash some cash.

Good luck, welcome aboard, and BE CAREFUL!!

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask them here or by PM.

Regards!

Bob