Are these real?

[PZIV]

There's really nothing to spend money on, I'm telling you. If I want a girl I'll find one, but none have really met my interest. I make more money than most 15 year olds and I save better than most too.

Thing is, I'm big into history. I know a TON about it and the way to actually have history is Militaria, so...

[Scott A. Hess]

Well, sounds like you know what you like and where your interests are. Just have fun and do what makes your happy being mindful that there is far more repro's/junk out there than nice original items. I'd personaly pick an area of militaria where you can get your feet wet and if you get stung its dosnt hurt too much, I dont think SS regalia is that area to begin with, but if you must, then be very careful, unfortunately, even very experienced collectors make mistakes, I do , you will too but expensive mistakes at 15 are harder to recoup and recover from than 45, but its your choice obviously.

[John T]

That is an outstanding banner Bob!

[PZIV]

Well, sounds like you know what you like and where your interests are. Just have fun and do what makes your happy being mindful that there is far more repro's/junk out there than nice original items. I'd personaly pick an area of militaria where you can get your feet wet and if you get stung its dosnt hurt too much, I dont think SS regalia is that area to begin with, but if you must, then be very careful, unfortunately, even very experienced collectors make mistakes, I do , you will too but expensive mistakes at 15 are harder to recoup and recover from than 45, but its your choice obviously.

Thank you all for the warning. I'm a bit stubborn and will take my chances. I'll try to learn young (like now) so that I may be able to tell for myself sometime. It will be a while, but I will trust you guys to know what you're talking about. Thanks for the current help and the help I know I'll get in the future!

[Bobwirtz]

To be honest, if I were starting out collecting Third Reich militaria today, I would think seriously about Waffenrock tunics. They are still out there and available at decent prices. They are very sharp and when you match them up with a cap, medal bar, badges, and brocade belt and buckle, they are a very sharp item. There is also a new book being published by Bender on the Waffenrock tunics, which would be very helpful as a guide.

Bob

[fknorr]

Thing is, I'm big into history. I know a TON about it and the way to actually have history is Militaria, so...

You say you know a lot about History but your 'militaria' skills are lacking, so you are in the right place. Now all you need do is follow advice and do NOT jump into SS stuff unawares and get plenty of books and experience before your first purchase and you'll be fine.

If you REALLY must get something SS on your first purchase, buy Beaver's 3-volume uniform set as your first purchase w/the latest Beaver/Hicks SS Helmet book and you'll be doing great.

[PZIV]

Well, I was thinking I was going to make a first purchase right now and then find all the books and read up on these forums. I just want a little something to tide my quench for militaria until I've learned a bit more. What would you think about this?

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...40#post1491040

I wanted to get the Unteroffizer and the Customs ones. I have the money to do so, and I haven't really been saving for that long. What do you guys think?

Oh and PS: I will try to pay the $25 to help keep this site up. I know I need to do my part, but money is hard to come by at 15! I'll deffinetly try soon though.

[fknorr]

Oh and PS: I will try to pay the $25 to help keep this site up. I know I need to do my part, but money is hard to come by at 15! I'll deffinetly try soon though.

You'd get more from your $25 to the site than by buying those cufftitles.

[PZIV]

I was afraid you'd say that. I just want a couple things to start my collection. I will deffinetly get the $25 for this site though.

[Lasse L]

Honestly, I think you should buy them if you want to. I started collecting when I was 11 years old, thats 5 years ago, back then I did not have any intresst really in reference books, I wanted a german helmet and a EK2 as I where intressted in the second world war and wanted something related to the war, that was how easy it was. Then when I had gotten those items, I wanted some more, so I started out with some basic items, wound badge in black and so, then as time went ofcourse I also got my hands on some books about the items as my intresst in what I had got bigger and bigger. Today I have stopped collecting, still very intressted in the second world war and especially the Waffen-SS, so I still enjoy the items, just that I feel I get more out of reading books about the Waffen-SS then reading books about the insignia worn by the Waffen-SS.

But also; I somehow feel that at one point in life, there are other things that comes before collecting, and thats also one reason why I stopped collecting. But still; I really think you should go for it and collect, also why just collect something thats cheap or so, collect what intressts you, sure it might be more expensiver or more fakes, but still; If you thats whats most intressting for you, collect that.

[fknorr]

I was afraid you'd say that. I just want a couple things to start my collection. I will deffinetly get the $25 for this site though.

Buy whatever you like, in whatever amount. It is nice to actually know what area you are interested in instead of 'everything.' Everything looks cool, but it's nice to actually have a plan or you'll end up purchasing only to get rid of it later for something you really want (at that particular time).

Most people you'll find here have a focus, and have given up the scatter-gun manner of collecting a long time ago. Reference books give you knowledge, give you stuff to drool over and also are valuable in their own right.

Your gonna do what you want to do anyway (we all did), so there really is no sense in talking to you trying to hammer this home.

[PZIV]

My main focus now is cufftitles. I like them the best and have found a site to purchase a book about them. Coming in second and third are Badges like this:
http://ww2militariabuysell.homestead...les/4mkiab.jpg

Third are the guns. I'll stick to cufftitles for now before possibly moving foreward. I know you're only trying to help me from making mistakes you (or some people you know) made and I thank you for it.

[fknorr]

My main focus now is cufftitles. I like them the best and have found a site to purchase a book about them. Coming in second and third are Badges like this:
http://ww2militariabuysell.homestead...les/4mkiab.jpg

Third are the guns. I'll stick to cufftitles for now before possibly moving foreward. I know you're only trying to help me from making mistakes you (or some people you know) made and I thank you for it.

There are cuff titles that are offered on the estand almost monthly, keep your eye out.

[Bobwirtz]

Der Totenkopf,

Fran is correct about the reference books and also the focus. You are here on the SS forum, but now you want to buy Customs and Army cuffbands. You really need to consider focusing on a particular area. In that regard you can concentrate your learning on just that area and become an expert. It is very hard to be an expert on all of this stuff - there's too much. When focusing you can also cut down the number of reference books to that particular area too. Don't be in a hurry to go out and buy things without thinking things through a little. Go into this with a plan. You can change as time goes but start with a plan.

Edited: Cuffbands are okay but there are a ton of them too. Focus on a particular group of cuffbands: Waffen-SS, Hermann Goring, Luftwaffe, etc. When you have all of them in a group, then you have a collection - a true collection you can put a label on... not just WWII German Cuffbands!

My 2 cents - and it's free!

Bob

[PZIV]

Thank you. I do have somewhat of a plan, but the thing is, I have to make sure my parents are ready for online buying. Thanks for helping everybody.