Jon and Leo

[John Hodgin]

Over the past few days two new members in the process of joining, Jon and Leo, have emailed me photos from their collections to share here. Jon sent photos of a Luftwaffe tropical tunic and Luftwaffe tropical trousers to be posted on the Uniforms Forum. Leo sent photos of a jump helmet and a tan/water jump smock for the Fallschirmjäger Forum.

I believe that both Jon and Leo suspected that our comments would be negative, and our comments have indeed been negative. It takes courage to face the fact that you have spent a lot of money for something that is not as it was represented, and thus not of collecting or historical value. This has happened to most of us. It surely has to me; I felt sick to my stomach. It saddens me that we had to impart bad news to both of them. Seba created this Forum for fellow collectors to share knowledge and help one another. Though our opinions of the authenticity of their militaria has been negative, I hope we have helped Jon and Leo, and can help them avoid reproductions in the future. I want to thank them both for allowing criticism of their pieces.

Regards,
John H

[Jon S]

Hurray, it seems that I've been activated!!! I cannot thank John and the others that responded to the images he posted for me enough. As a result, the tunic and trousers are, at this moment, on their way back to the dealer from whom I bought them. As I mentioned to John H. in a PM, sometimes one throws suspicions of reproduction out the door when the thought of getting a sweet piece overpowers you. That, coupled with overconfidence in a dealer's word makes for potential disaster. I was lucky that the dealer offers a lifetime guarantee, which, according to reputable persons, is honored. Sure, it takes some courage to post pics of collection pieces in question, but my personality does not allow me to just sit and wonder about whether a piece is good or not. Anyway, I'm very glad to have been turned on to this forum by John H. and am already reaping the benefits from all the knowledge on board.
Thanks again to all,
Jon S.

[John Hodgin]

Hey Jon S.!

It's great to have you aboard with us Jon; looking forward to reading your future posts. Welcome,
John H.

[JOHN VD HEIJDEN]

re

hello Jon welcome on board on this forum
you can learn a lot on this side also the fake,s the reproduction,s

I saw you have contacted John Hodgin
this is a very nice guy

ps don,t mention he is getting a little bit bold

greetings Johnny

[Willi Z.]

did you say "bold"......or was that "old"........or perhaps "bald"........

Willi

[John Hodgin]

Thanks a lot Johnny!


Willi, I guess all those apply