New Collector needs some pointers

[Malcolm Smith]

Hi, I live in the Birmingham, AL. area and I have just started collecting tinnies. I have mainly just bought from one local dealer. Does anyone know if there are any militaria shows that will be coming up soon in or around my area? I thought about going to a coin show and trying my luck there. I am also looking for any fellow collectors in the Birmingham area to share some knowledge about this new, addictive hobby!
Thanks!
Malcolm

[James Noble]

Malcolm, Welcome to the insane world of Tinnie collecting. If you haven't already you should invest in some reference books.

[John Bart]

Hi Malcolm,
As James states, get yourself some reference books. Reinhard Tieste (author)
has a few pretty comphrehensive books on the topic of tinnies.
Also, check out this forum thread frequently for upcoming shows:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...aysprune=&f=19

You might also wish to become an association member. It's the best 20.00
I've spent in a long time.

Good luck to you and welcome!

........ John

[Malcolm Smith]

Thanks!

Hi Malcolm,
As James states, get yourself some reference books. Reinhard Tieste (author)
has a few pretty comphrehensive books on the topic of tinnies.
Also, check out this forum thread frequently for upcoming shows:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...aysprune=&f=19

You might also wish to become an association member. It's the best 20.00
I've spent in a long time.

Good luck to you and welcome!

........ John

Thanks Guys, I was thinking about the Tieste books, but they are written in German, which, except for phrases, is not easy for me to figure out. I was thinking about buying Manion's series for starters and working my way up to Tieste.
Malcolm

[William J]

Malcolm,

Buying the Manion's set is how most of us tinnie collectors started out. They are a great set and almost always being offered on ebay. I certainly agree with John's comment regarding the $20 investment. It has to be the biggest bargain in militaria collecting today!

That small investment will allow you to post tinnie pictures and buy and sell. And this forum has many, many knowledgeable people who are willing to help beginning (as well as advanced) collectors!

[Kevin Sanders]

Welcome to the "Twilight Zone" of tinnies....

Malcolm-

Again, welcome; and you came to the right place; these guys are knowledgeable and very helpful. A fantastic group of collectors who like "tinnies" (a very generic term)... we are a minority....

So far the advise given has been right on - I have the Manions set and Tieste's - my German had become only fair due to lack of use; however, it is a must to be able to translate German in our field - get a good German-English dictionary, which will not only give you the "literal" translation, but often how the word may be used in the context you are looking at. Tieste's references are the best and most complete. I have great friends at Manion's but Ron hasn't worked on his tinnie books in a long time and in fact I think they are out of them now. However, they are a good start for common tinnies which new collectors may start out with.

The Louisville, KY Show of Shows is the weekend of the 20th (Friday) and will have tons of stuff. I'll be there with friends to have a good time and see whats up.

Added - definitely pay the $20 for membership - best money you would ever spend - this forum is an encyclopedia of research with specialist in every field. Some really great guys.... Just look at "The Great Tinnie War" thread -absolutely stunning !!!

Best regards-

Kevin Sanders

Thanks Guys, I was thinking about the Tieste books, but they are written in German, which, except for phrases, is not easy for me to figure out. I was thinking about buying Manion's series for starters and working my way up to Tieste.
Malcolm

[James Noble]

Malcolm, I just looked at Manion's website and he has all 4 vol.'s of his reference books and also a few of Tieste's books as well. Just log on to
www.manions.com scroll down to reference books and you will find them on page 5. Don't let your lack of German from stopping you from Reinhard's books there is a couple of pages in English to help explain how to use the books to get you by as he doesn't give to much information on each badge other then year, location, what it's made of and price. Where Manion give more information on each badge just not as many listed in his books but both are well worth the money.