Hey all,
I am new to this messageboard, but not new to collecting. I have been collecting German WW2 memorabilia since I was in grade school, when I got my first German helmet (M35 DD SS, ...lucky break!) as a gift from my uncle. Any ways.......I have read a ton of threads about the Handschar fez's and thier related value.
First let me say that the current trend of "collectors/ dealers" buying these items only to destory them for greed or personal gain of ANY SORT (restoration of other pieces etc) makes me sick. As much as I am sickened by this practice, there is a flip side to it. With this destruction the scarsity for 100% intact versions on the market increases, thus so does the price. I bought my maroon fez in 1993 for 325.00. The estimated value on todays market for the same hat ranges from 1,100.00 to as high as 3,000.00 depending on the provenance, and condition. I know some here do not think that the hat is worth this amount as a reuslt of the recent influx onto the market, but I would argue and say that the rarity, and appeal will carry the value over time. The Dachau depot not withstanding, I really believe that the trend will go up on the desire for this hat. I can recall that when I was in the process of buying my fez, other SS collectors thought it was a waste of money. I thought differently.
True the fez is not the "classic" WWII German look, but its unique appearence, and historical context has always made it appeal to cerain SS collectors such as myself. I have peaked visored caps, and SS tunics, but my favorite item (as if my handle does not tell you) is my fez.
What are your opinons? Do you think that the fez will withstand the recent trends? Do you think that the deliperate trashing of these historical items will foce the 100% untouched/ intact versions to raise in price? I know I personaly would never consider selling mine fo ranything less than 3,000.00. Since I am not selling, I guess I could ask for any price..LOL! You get my point.
I am new to this messageboard, but not new to collecting. I have been collecting German WW2 memorabilia since I was in grade school, when I got my first German helmet (M35 DD SS, ...lucky break!) as a gift from my uncle. Any ways.......I have read a ton of threads about the Handschar fez's and thier related value.
First let me say that the current trend of "collectors/ dealers" buying these items only to destory them for greed or personal gain of ANY SORT (restoration of other pieces etc) makes me sick. As much as I am sickened by this practice, there is a flip side to it. With this destruction the scarsity for 100% intact versions on the market increases, thus so does the price. I bought my maroon fez in 1993 for 325.00. The estimated value on todays market for the same hat ranges from 1,100.00 to as high as 3,000.00 depending on the provenance, and condition. I know some here do not think that the hat is worth this amount as a reuslt of the recent influx onto the market, but I would argue and say that the rarity, and appeal will carry the value over time. The Dachau depot not withstanding, I really believe that the trend will go up on the desire for this hat. I can recall that when I was in the process of buying my fez, other SS collectors thought it was a waste of money. I thought differently.
True the fez is not the "classic" WWII German look, but its unique appearence, and historical context has always made it appeal to cerain SS collectors such as myself. I have peaked visored caps, and SS tunics, but my favorite item (as if my handle does not tell you) is my fez.
What are your opinons? Do you think that the fez will withstand the recent trends? Do you think that the deliperate trashing of these historical items will foce the 100% untouched/ intact versions to raise in price? I know I personaly would never consider selling mine fo ranything less than 3,000.00. Since I am not selling, I guess I could ask for any price..LOL! You get my point.
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