question on description of cap insignia

[luftwaffe]

Hi all
Ended up going for the M43 cap insignia, am sure it will make really nice pressie! A COA is on its way to me also.

Just one other question please if anyone can help or has come across this...the description of the item states "The Insignia is still on original black rayon factory roll and is in excellent condition overall with minimal age toning and light fraying to the outer edges of the of the factory roll".

Does this mean the item was never issued/used or worn on a cap?

Other items this sellar has are listed as 'unissued' so as mine is not I am presuming it came off a real live cap... can anyone clarify please?

Cheers

[keifer kahn]

Sounds unissued and for sure unused.

A used piece of cap insignia would have the rayon backing cut to shape and been folded over in the correct manner for application.It would also have the original sewing holes.

And "yes" that description is encountered often as vets brought back rolls of Bevo insignia and in some cases the insignia were cut off individually to sell.

[luftwaffe]

Thanks for the input. A bit dissappointed that it might be an unsued item, however hopefully still make a nice present for a fan!
thanks again

[sgstandard]

Cap Insignia

Please post photos!!

[luftwaffe]

phots

No probs here ya go:
http://www.germanmilitaria.com/Waffe...s/S001159.html

[bwanek1]

Definately never issued/worn and, if I may say so, a bit overpriced. Still, it is original.

[Peppe864]

Definately never issued/worn and, if I may say so, a bit overpriced. Still, it is original.

a lot of stuff is insanely priced these days........

[luftwaffe]

originals!

well this is it and the main thing with which I was concerned, was authenticity. But from what I've researched / learned is that there is sooo much dodgy items out there claiming to be something they are not. Especially with SS stuff, its amazing the lengths people go to, to decieve others with legit interests. I had no idea!!
Appreciate all input anyhow.!

[luftwaffe]

newbie question

just another question - would it be true to say that I'd expect to pay alot of money for used/issued original SS items, is that right? Just for future reference. Thanks

[bwanek1]

just another question - would it be true to say that I'd expect to pay alot of money for used/issued original SS items, is that right? Just for future reference. Thanks

The only answer I can give is, "it depends."

For a long time, pretty much everyone seemed to think value was entirely about condition and to many, perhaps most, "mint" equated with "best." However, in recent years, there has been a shift away from this belief. Gradually, many collectors whose primary interest in collecting militaria was the direct connection their items had with people and places in history came to realize that unissued items, while the best in terms of condition, were not the best in terms of historical interest, because they had little connection to the historical events of the war or the people who were involved with those events (it is hard to claim that a piece of insignia, which sat in a warehouse throughout the war has a connection with the soldiers who fought, besides the fact that it was intended to be issued to one of them at some point, which never occurred). As a result, the relative value of issued pieces has increased relative to unissued ones.

While many now avoid minty pieces in favor of those which show at least some signs that they saw real use during the war, others still prefer mint pieces. Also, it should be noted that, even among those who want nothing to do with unissued pieces, condition still plays a factor. At some point, heavy use wear becomes damage. I, for one, like my pieces to look as if they have "been there," but not "been to hell and back."

[sgstandard]

Insignia

I'd say you're pretty safe with any insignia from Collector's Guild. Overpriced? Probably. But they always manage to have a great selection. If you just bought that insignia recently, it's the same one I was looking at. I have 4 SS traps, 2 bevo, and 2 wool. But not any with the 2 rows of teeth. With the scarcity of SS insignia, I'd be deleriously happy with ANY that is original. I really wanted an SS M-43 cap with 2 piece insignia that showed lots of combat wear. I settled for an unissued "Dachau" style SS Panzer M-43 instead. I bought it 5 months ago, and since then the price has risen over $800. While combat wear is preferable, I disagree that unissued pieces have NO historical significance. Congratulations on the nice insignia!!

[luftwaffe]

input

Thanks a million for your replies and input - bwanek1 and to sgstandard. I've done a lot of research on how to get the best item, as I started this totally clueless(!) and can't beleive how big the field of collecting is. I am pleased with the insignia I did get and hope that my boyfriend will be happy with it too! And yes I purchased it recently! As pointed out the key is authenticity as I still can't beleive the amount of fakes out there and how careful you have to be. So thanks to everyone who gave me advice and views on forums such as these, as I wouldn't have been able to make a decision otherwise.
sgstandard you have quite a collection.
THANK YOU ALL!! Agus slan leat (and goodbye till later)