Advice for a new collector of awards.

[Isle of Wighter]

Hello gentlemen.I usually frequent the helmet forum but have recently become interested in collecting the awards of the German Wehrmacht and I am looking to eventually make a collection of awards to complement my collection of steel helmets. I have recently made a purchase of a Winterschlacht im Osten medal and have developed a great interest in collecting them. I have done a lot of research online but I was wondering if any of the experienced collectors here could give me a few pointers as to what to look for in regard to repro's versus original. If the medal collecting community is as plagued by fakes as the helmet community then I have a hell of a lot to learn and any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Snni]

Hi,
The Ost medal fakes are normaly very easy the spot. Very bad details and letters are all wrong. Here you can see what I mean!
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=457807
Its alot worse with the EK's.. There are very good fakes! But just post some pictures and alot of collectors will give their opinion.

[Jamz]

Invest your money in books...
Before you waste your money on fakes. John

[kenneth wolfe]

Here's some ones that are close

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...&highlight=ost

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=315769


Kenneth

[Isle of Wighter]

Many thanks for the replies gents. I do have a couple of books on the subject which I have been studying, but I find it's always good to get some verbal advice from fellow collectors with more experience. The Ost medal that I have is most definitely original and has provided me with a good reference for future purchases. Many thanks for the links and advice.

[Paulus_Gun]

Collect quality pieces! Quality > quantity!

[Andy B.]

My advice.....use this forum and its members. There is a wonderful wealth of knowledge on this site. It has saved me literally thousands. Above all else there are some very fine people here too.
Andy