Who was Janke?

[BrianK]

Who was Janke and when where and why did he make reproductions? Were they sold as reproductions or were they sold as real?

[NTZ]

Here is all I know so anyone with additional or better info please chime in. His Name is Michael Janke, he is from Germany. As far as I know his stuff was always meant to be reproduction. I have heard two stories. I heard he was an apprentice for a cap maker during the war and I have also heard his father was a cap maker during the war and taught him the trade. As to when he started making these I have heard 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s. From what I have seen I would say the 1980’s is more likely. I know it is pretty vague so maybe someone else can fill in the blanks.

[Daniele C]

id be glad to hear infos about him as well

[stonemint]

I agree with Nick--I don't recall these Jankes before 1980. He does not have his own website, but a number of US re-enactor sites do carry his hats and uniforms. There is also a UK site that carries his stuff exclusively: www.extraklasse.co.uk/ His hats are sold by the re-enactor dealers as repros, but you will see them on e-bay all the time listed as original. They are easy to spot--see my Janke thread for the "tells".

[Karl S.]

Here's what Gary Wilkens says in his book.

[Karl S.]

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