GPB soldbuch-Panther commander KIA

[ccnrecon]

My name is Patrick and I bought this soldbuch from the aforementioned dealer awhile back. I am not interested in whats ifs either. I am simply trying to understand what I have here. Nothing further. If the replaced photo is obvious to you, it was not to me. It is the first time I have even discussed a soldbuch, so if I appear ignorant and uninformed by asking questions, then there is nothing I can do about that. Researching the book has been more enjoyable than worrying about the photo. Once I remove it, it should stand as a nice example of a panther crew id.

[Diaspora]

It is a great Soldbuch on its own merrits, Patrick!

[Panzer Rob]

My name is Patrick and I bought this soldbuch from the aforementioned dealer awhile back. I am not interested in whats ifs either. I am simply trying to understand what I have here. Nothing further. If the replaced photo is obvious to you, it was not to me. It is the first time I have even discussed a soldbuch, so if I appear ignorant and uninformed by asking questions, then there is nothing I can do about that.

Hello Patrick,

Nice to meet you. Many of us are here to help, but when someone does not want to be helped, or in this case after being told by a few very experienced and seasoned collectors (talking about some of the other guys here) are telling you the photo has been added post-war yet you keep trying to find some sort of possible explanation as to why the photo may be original, well... to put it short it gets frustrating.

Researching the book has been more enjoyable than worrying about the photo. Once I remove it, it should stand as a nice example of a panther crew id

I agree on both points. Just remember, the dealer you bought it from offers a lifetime money back guarantee, however if you do decide to remove the photo I don't think he'd honor that offer.

Below is an example of a Soldbuch (this one from my collection) that has had the portrait photo removed after the war and the original staples were left in place. All it would take is a steady hand and a little patience to carefully fold back the staples and remove them, then track down a portrait photo that was roughly the same size and "apply it" through the existing holes using the original staples. A high-resolution scan of the circular unit stamp can be used to digitally compose a "complete" stamp which is then used to create a physical stamp which is used to create the "missing" portion of the stamps on the photo. The ink can easily be transferred onto the opposing page if the book is closed while the ink is still wet.

Many times "fakers" use photos that have been previously used in other IDs and with your Soldbuch this appears to be the case; the stamp does not line up.

Granted, the second image posted below is one I quickly created digitally in Photoshop (I did not add in the staples) but as you can see it is relatively easy to replace an existing photo.

[Lee Luke]

Command and Control North/Recon, Vietnam Vet , I am guessing. A Big Red One member who ran SOG missions? Just curious.I will say other than the photo issue, it is a great soldbuch.