Ccc

[Wik]

So it seems to me that the CCC is more prized for infantry then possibly even the EKs (perhaps this even holds true with collectors?). I would love to get my hands on one, but it seems to me these generally are much more exspensive then EKs on the e-stand. Is this because of how much they were prized by the soldiers, the rarity, or what? Just wondering. I just stumbled into these forums so I am new to the whole scene, although I think I will be jumping in head first! lol

Anyhow I am currently tracking some EKs but a CCC would be something to look into next for a new fledgling collection, OR is it recommended to go other routes.

Also with so many people having so many collections, how did you guys start yours prior to these forums? Antique shopping? Personal contact with veterans? Passed down through generations of your own family? I guess I am curious as I could always try to find a CCC in other good spots, since it seems like there is really only one on e-stand right now (like I said they seem rare!). Thanks for any info!


Ryan

[fugpaw]

I don't think in general CCC's are rare (of course some are rare and there are some that are very rare), I believe there were more EK1's issued than CCC's. From the veterans I've spoken to, the CCC was definitely more prized than the EK1. There are quite a few CCC's out there in the market, they actually come up on e-stand quite regularly.

Prior to the forums and internet shops, I found militaria all over the place: fairs, junk shops, antique shops, veterans, other collectors etc. I still find militaria all over the place.

Mike

[Wik]

I don't think in general CCC's are rare (of course some are rare and there are some that are very rare), I believe there were more EK1's issued than CCC's. From the veterans I've spoken to, the CCC was definitely more prized than the EK1. There are quite a few CCC's out there in the market, they actually come up on e-stand quite regularly.

Prior to the forums and internet shops, I found militaria all over the place: fairs, junk shops, antique shops, veterans, other collectors etc. I still find militaria all over the place.

Mike

How did yo make sure you weren't getting raped by post war repos? lol Thanks

Ryan

[fugpaw]

How did yo make sure you weren't getting raped by post war repos? lol Thanks

Ryan

I did get stung on a couple of items, 2 of which I only found out in the last year were fakes - I'd had them for 25 years. Other items - it was a matter of studying the items and getting a "feel" for what was right. Handling, looking and comparing items - looking for traits of makers across a range of different badges. Looking for period materials and period workmanship.

There were a few "reference" books out there 20 to 25 years ago, but they were not very good. Now there are some very good reference books around - if you're looking for a CCC one - Tom Durantes is a fantastic piece of work.

Mike

[paddywhack]

the best way to avoid repos is study study study!! also id recommend buying off the estand!its self policing and youl get great stuff at fair prices! oh and welcome to the forum!!

[Wik]

the best way to avoid repos is study study study!! also id recommend buying off the estand!its self policing and youl get great stuff at fair prices! oh and welcome to the forum!!

So this: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...=333556&page=3

is about as good as it gets? And sorry since I am new to all of this, i'm just a silly ignorant American who doesn't pay attention to much so what is the 300€ currency of? I saw the calculator but didn't know what to calculate LOL

[paddywhack]

thats 300 euros! and its a nice piece at a nice price! its about $385

[Wik]

thats 300 euros! and its a nice piece at a nice price! its about $385

lol Thanks Paddy. Thats what I thought but didn't want to assume

Anyhow 385 is a bit steep for me for one peice (even though I am sure it's completly worth it!). I see a few EKs and some badges I enjoy and I could get almost all of those for that price. Only problem is waiting around for another CCC of the same quality

Guess these are the hard decisions that have to be made by veteran and rookie collectors alike lol.

[paddywhack]

i wouldnt worry to be honest! ccc in bronze and silver turn up all the time! youl get one maybe as low as $200-250 if you wait for it on the estand!!
as a very good mate said to me when i first started collecting unless its mega mega rare and or a one of a kind piece it will turn up again!!!

[paddywhack]

oh and and ccc condition wise id look to get a JFS ccc as the finish on these seem to be fantastic and hold really well over time!!!!(well the bronze ones seem to at any rate!!)

[Wik]

oh and and ccc condition wise id look to get a JFS ccc as the finish on these seem to be fantastic and hold really well over time!!!!(well the bronze ones seem to at any rate!!)

Any tips/ideas so I can find out if it is a JFS (I am assuming thats the initials of one of the companies that made them)? Or when it comes available, just ask? lol Thanks

Ryan

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Ryan,

Welcome to the forum.

I got into collecting about 15 years ago, a few badges were based down to me from my grandfather who fought in Afrika and Italy. Soon after I started collecting, I found that I was very interested in the CCC. Its a great looking award and when you think of what it took for a soldier to earn even the bronze grade, it is a great badge to collect and concentrate on. The main focus of my collection is the CCC, and trying to collect all the different makers and all their variations. Speciallizing like that also helps to not get burned on fakes. My first CCC was a fake, but it was a good learning experience to pushed me to really study originals and what to look for.

The CCC is MUCH RARER than an EK. There were millions of EK2's awarded during WW2, whereas there was only about 35,000 bronze CCCs given out and only about 750 gold CCCs!

If you are really interested in this hobby, the best advice is to study originals and fakes alike. You can do a search for "CCC" and go through the various threads to see what is original and what is fake. If you are still interested in the CCC, but only want to buy 1 or 2, you should post it here first before you buy it. Any dealer that doesn't give you an inspection period and a money back return should be avoided!

If you want to buy more than just 1 or 2, then you should consider buying the CCC book. At $130 its expensive, but when you consider how much originals go for these days and that there are many more fakes out there than originals, it is worth it. Getting burned on 1 fake CCC could be a $300 mistake. It all depends on how seriously you take the hobby and which direction your collecting interests go. The advice from paddy is good: study, study study.

Good Luck.

Tom

[Blued]

Couldn't agree more Tom. My favorite book of all time is Infanterie Aces by Franz Kurowski and that really shows you what these guys had to go through to get the award in gritty detail. Truly humbling.

[AndyC]

I have too post this picture of two Infantery Aces !
Those two men has really "been there".

Andy

[Blued]

Great picture. Well placed