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**Bob Hritz** · 12-21-2005, 01:32 PM

I have purchased many fine and rare pieces of insignia from Kai Winkler and been more than pleased with everything I bought. As for uniforms and hats, I am no expert, but each piece must be judged on it's own merits, without regards to seller or any story of provenance that is attached.

There are certainly many original SS tunics and hats, in the collecting world, and Winkler is one of the most prolific advertisers (to buy from vets and families) in all of Germany. However, for me it is difficult to determine whether insignia has been added, enhanced, or replaced, when done by someone with talent.

I feel it is better to study the pieces of interest and get good advice from those knowledgeable, in uniforms and headgear, LONG before reaching in your pocket for the money or credit card. Remember that you must be satisfied that you are getting EXACTLY what you are paying for.

As a final aside, you would be wise to adhere to Hritz's Razor of Relative Value: "The value of any item is in inverse proportion to the length of the explanation". Or; the longer you have to explain an item, the shorter the price.

The finest SS tunic I own was once in Kai Winkler's collection.

Bob Hritz

**nutmeg** · 12-21-2005, 02:00 PM

I have bought a couple of things from him which were nice and original , however, you really need to go over the condition with them very carefully. In my case there were a few minor period repairs and worn spots that were not mentioned .

**fjcollector** · 12-21-2005, 02:16 PM

Thanks a lot you guys for your reply. I'm feeling a lot better about this now.
All the best,
Paul

**Felix** · 12-21-2005, 02:17 PM

I have bought some nice original items from Kai as well.... But here and there are some obvious fakes hidden. As with all dealers you have to be your own expert or trust a good friend thats knowledgeable. For high end stuff you always have to be very careful. But I do belive he gives good options to return.

Good luck!

/Felix

**werner** · 12-21-2005, 02:32 PM

Hi guys,

About Winkler, what do you think about this one ?

9746 :WAFFEN SS SPRING/WINTER REVERSIBLE WINTER JACKET

Cheers
Werner

**CurtD** · 12-21-2005, 06:58 PM

Lots of fake SS caps that have been discussed before in this forum.

**Antiquefrog** · 12-21-2005, 08:11 PM

I think many of us have had mixed experiences with this dealer. It's almost as if he shoves the stuff through as he gets it without examination or (I stress) conscience. I am wary, will not likely order again. Cost of transatlantic examination and hassle factor too great for those of us in US.

**John Pic** · 12-21-2005, 10:17 PM

I owned four original SS officer tunics from Kai Winkler. Received good service and he always answered my questions. You have to know what youre buying anytime you buy.

**Revellations** · 12-22-2005, 04:33 AM

I have made 2 purchases from Kai Winkler and both have been very positive!!

Scott

**Basil** · 12-22-2005, 12:53 PM

As with everything in collecting, buyer beware. Anyone purchasing the alleged 'British Free Corps' collar patch on his website (a bargain at 1550 Euros) would need psychiatric help, but there is good stuff on there as well.

**Antiquefrog** · 12-22-2005, 08:58 PM

As I say, I am skeptical of this dealer - there is simply no adherence to quality standards (versus, say, Peter Whamond) - it is a dice throw, and terribly expensive for those of us in the US just to have a look. Advise a direct link to the item in question (or have I missed this?) for a more succinct opinion.

**Bobwirtz** · 12-22-2005, 09:23 PM

I agree with Bruce... put the pictures of what you're interested in here on the forum. I don't want to have to register and then receive junk mail every other day about his Christmas sales like some other collectors are getting.

Bob

**fjcollector** · 12-22-2005, 10:03 PM

I would, but there's no way for me to save the images on my computer in order tohost them on image shack. but it is item #21730 the M36 waffen SS concentration camp personel uniform. Could somebody tell me if this thing is okay or not? I noticed it is an Army cut uniform.

**Bobwirtz** · 12-22-2005, 10:19 PM

Buy it... take lots of photos... put them on here for us to see... then send it back for a refund if it's not right.

Personally speaking, I'm VERY skeptical of KL stuff... very scary area...

Bob

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