I like what Craig says and think the real test of a good dealer is when a problem comes up and how they put it right,everyone makes mistakes and no one wants to be left in the dark or out of pocket when an item has to go back.Dealers who I have never had problems with and those you let you know they are infact human are the ones I spend my bucks with.
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Thanks, Mark. Nobody's perfect, and I for one find it encouraging to know that there is a small cadre of dealers who will bend over backward to make sure a collector doesn't get hurt, while at the same time not compromising his principles. It's a hard line to walk, but we try our best to walk it every day.Comment
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Originally posted by Antiquefrog View Post
Imho Craig Gottlieb is not arrogant. When i´m unsure about a piece , i can send him an email every time. He is always kind and answers my question in a minute in a very polite way. Even, when it is a stupid question!! He always has time for nerving collectors!!!
So i can give him 
Last edited by Wolf100; 07-24-2007, 03:11 PM.Comment
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As Stonemint and NTZ has already noted the caps on Maederer's website, I took a look at some of the uniforms and I would have to say, "Be careful." The Waffen-SS tunic he has doesn't impress me. It's an old Reichswehr tunic to start with and I don't care for the insignia. The object of greater concern is the SS General's Trousers with the light-gray stripes and piping for $3,895.00. I believe we've discussed these before. As far as I'm concerned these are somebody's "Wet Dream"... in all of the documentation and period photos we've only managed to find one instance of these being worn by an SS General and that was Wunnenberg, the police general. There are a couple-three photos of him at the same event wearing stripes down the length of his trousers. If these were widely worn by SS Generals, then somebody show me a photo of (prima dona) Sepp Dietrich wearing them. And I don't want to see a 'doctored' photo (from you computer photoshop wizards). I'd be concerned with a dealer offering these for $4,000.Originally posted by stonemint View Post
BobComment
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Who to avoid for headgear
As far as I am concerned I would not buy any TR headgear from dealers who have had examples posted here which were roundly criticized. I can think of at least 4 "well known dealers" (not Craig Gottlieb) who have had their caps criticized here & have neither responded nor removed those items from their sites. Why take a chance, esp. when you are spending thousands of $$$$$?
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That's the problem.., these items bring money, which is the most important thing in the world, just like " you buy from me, I'm good, so you've to pay double ".......Originally posted by BrianK View PostAs far as I am concerned I would not buy any TR headgear from dealers who have had examples posted here which were roundly criticized. I can think of at least 4 "well known dealers" (not Craig Gottlieb) who have had their caps criticized here & have neither responded nor removed those items from their sites. Why take a chance, esp. when you are spending thousands of $$$$$?
OMG..., but it seems to work.
Jos.Comment
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Tunic
Bob, yeah I saw that tunic. Look at the back and the buttons. Totally Reichswehr. Good call Bob.Comment
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Would agree with Stonemint; these are all good dealers, but have no opinion on uniforms from Maederer - never look at them, only caps. Another very good dealer is Bruce Herman (Grenadier Military Antiques) - he puts up some terrific stuff, and has new things all the time.Comment
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Originally posted by Antiquefrog View Post
I would agree regarding Bruce (Grenadier) because as soon as he realized that he was a 'pawn' in a $25,000.00 set-up, he pulled the offering The item I suspect went directly back to its owner....whom would need to 'examine it in hand' to comment on the originality! The under-handedness is not limited to dealers!
We can't know everything (even as a dealer) but at that level there is an expectation of knowledge and due diligence which is often overlooked or even side stepped by certain dealers.
There's a handful of good ones out there...
Those who I respect will take the time to research and ask questions prior to placing an item for sale, if it's not within their area of expertise.Regards,
DaveComment
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Originally posted by Bobwirtz View Post
How can I say this and still be politicaly correct? His visors are all pre 1945 no doubt but IMHO they are all not without flaws.
As far as Craig is concerned he is A-Ok in my book. I know he recently had a bad visor and both Dave Kane and myself contacted him. It was pulled on the spot. What more can you ask for?Comment
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Agree - Maederer has some questionable caps once in awhile; it is just a site worth visiting - I have bought some good stuff from him over the years.Comment
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I personally LOVE the forums, because I know that my inventory is constantly scrutinized by very intelligent collectors. About 1 or 2 bad items a year make it past my own vetting process, and are swiftly caught by you guys - makes me sleep at night! It's the main reason I'm a sponsor.Comment
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Does anyone know this dealer, Militaria exchange, seem to have nice items but i would like a word or two if someone has any experience with this dealer !Comment
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