Getting Started

[capricekid]

Hello,

I have been collecting WWII U.S. stuff for years, but would like to break into German medals. What is a good book on this topic? What are some reputable sources/dealers? What are some more common medals that would be good to start with? Thanks! All help is appreciated.

Joe

[keifer kahn]

Common for me=

EK2
KVK2
Ostmedaille
25 year civil service medal.

[Aiceman]

Hi Joe!
I agree with keifer kahn,I think always aviable the General Assault badge,Panzer Assault Badge,Infantry Assault Badge and more war badges.
I have US and british and russian badges, all beautiful,but you will see,that many variations can be found of german badges.(type,maker variants etc.)
If you search good book for collecting,this is the good time. Many good book arrived from big and expert collectors. Please read the subforums.What do you want? Book from category?(Kriegsmarine badges,luftwaffe badges) or from specially one bades and variant?(panzer badges,paratrooper badges..)
If you search good dealers,please read the collector community forum,amember forum,many opinions here. I like the estand too.
And let show the badges,and save your money.
And happy collecting

[Hagen]

What are some more common medals that would be good to start with?

Would like to add West Wall to that list.

[EK-collector]

EKs are quite difficult to collect, but I think all german awards are.

Start with browsing the forum, most actuall information you can find here.

[Gregorio Torres]

In the e-stand on this forum you can find complete lots of this "cheap" medals for sale frecuently. For a starter maybe a good way to the begining.

[flatlander]

Don't discount tinnies. Thay come in all design types and are usually very affordable. They're great to start off with.

[Snni]

Be very carefull with starting to collect EK2..

You simply can´t stop again..

[Woolgar]

Be very carefull with starting to collect EK2..

You simply can´t stop again..

I totally agree with that statement

Nick

[Chet Sowersby]

Hello Joe,
Please consider this: everything Third Reich has been reproduced. This goes from the most expensive decorations, uniforms, helmets ect., ect., and ect. down to the very bottom. This means the most common of common items. No matter what you collect you will need to do your "homework" on whatever it is. The e-stand here on the forum is a pretty safe place to purchase these items. If you have ANY doubts about an item post the it on the forum before you purchase it. You will recieve all the help you need to make a safe purchase. Remember, we are all here to help one another.
Good collecting to you.

Chet

[TRC]

duplicate

[TRC]

You should look for designs you are attracted to, at what you consider a reasonable cost.
I collect almost exclusively medals, tinnies and daggers ... But that doesn't mean I'm attracted to every medal. Minesweeper badge, for instance I have always though a rather clunky design, so have never had a desire to get one.
Iron Crosses are famous, attractive, plentiful and relatively cheap, but you have to be aware of fakes. You can always post items you are interested in here for vetting.

Theres are tons of dealers, I rarely ever buy from dealers for the simple fact that you can expect to pay quite a bit more vs private sale.
But you do have a nice selection, and peace of mind knowing that if you are dealing with a reputable dealer, you will be guaranteed a genuine item.
There are not many dealers who are almost universally respected, here are 2 that almost everyone agrees are standup guys who stand behind their items.
http://www.germanwarbooty.com/Catalog.htm
http://www.lakesidetrader.com/

On the other hand, stay well clear of "Snyder", just search that name for more info.

[kenneth wolfe]

I see you're in wisconsin. You should PM me and I can help you as I live here too. I know some good guys in the area and can point you in the right direction.



Kenneth

[Mr.Jerry D]

We are here in WI too, what part are you in? drop a line, we're near Milwaukee.
If you get this way you can stop by the shop and get some "hands on" time with a bunch of different medals. We love to talk about this stuff.

[kenneth wolfe]

You're one of the people I was talking about.


Kenneth