Crusher of an oaks and swords winner....

[BenVK]

But i'm perfectly happy with this cap.

Well that's all that really counts isn't it. Until it's time to sell that is..

[B. N. Singer]

Well that's all that really counts isn't it. Until it's time to sell that is..

Indeed.

B. N. Singer

[Lignemaginot]

I learned (fortunately) that there's no point in having an item in my collection that raises valid concerns among knowledgeable collectors, even if it's handed to me by the vet himself, and even if I have no intention of selling it later. One can think of any number of reasons why something might be a certain way, but if the item can't stand on its own merits, then do yourself a favour and wait for the item to come along that doesn't need a running commentary to support it.

[B. N. Singer]

I learned (fortunately) that there's no point in having an item in my collection that raises valid concerns among knowledgeable collectors, even if it's handed to me by the vet himself, and even if I have no intention of selling it later....

IMHO, It all depends on the "standards," by which one wants to collect. I certainly own things that have been looked at "askance" by other collectors.

B. N. Singer

[JuanS]

Hi
Sometimes you got to follow your heart and of course get a good warranty. Several years ago I bought a nice 100 % original named Generalmajor tunic. The tunic came with a letter from the General grandson. I actually sent the tunic to Bill Shea for a personal inspection after I received and also posted photos here at the forum. Bill Shea agreed that the tunic is untouched.
The group was splitted at the time I bought the tunic but later I was able to get General Hans Bessel crusher cap from the collector that bought the cap originally. I bought it although 1/2 of the experts had some reservations. I undestand that the only way for me to be 100 % sure will be to get a period photo of the General wearing the cap. I am trying to get help from a German collector's as the General spent time defending Cologne during the war and later leved there until his death in 1979. Any help on my quest will be appreciated. I will only post a photo today and others when I get a photo of the General wearing the cap.

Regards

Juan

[Lignemaginot]

Well, Juan, despite the fact that they are gold, at least you can see here the correct application of the oakleaves and kokarde. Good luck in your quest for the photo - I'd be very, very pleased to see a photo of ANY General wearing an Alter Art cap with gold insignia (although I suppose it would need to be in colour...).

[Dave Kane]

Well, Juan, despite the fact that they are gold, at least you can see here the correct application of the oakleaves and kokarde. Good luck in your quest for the photo - I'd be very, very pleased to see a photo of ANY General wearing an Alter Art cap with gold insignia (although I suppose it would need to be in colour...).

I think that we may be getting too caught up in 'Alte art' and overlooking caps that were produced (period) to mimic the popular look of the crusher....for lack of a proper term, the 'crush type'!!

This sort, style, look could be bought and surely a General Officer had the $$ to purchase just the 'look' he wanted. I agree that a TRUE Alte Art cap would likely show the silver flat wire but special order caps ie: the type with a leather brim sans a chinstrap were available and absolutely used / worn from early to war's end!