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Join Date: Nov 2024 · 12-25-2003, 02:01 PM

Hello David,
That one is known as a “bigfoot” - it is a reproduction.

I recently got this book as well, and have to admit I was disappointed. Yes, the photography is great, but there are a lot of insignias in there that are fake, IMHO. In the insignia section in the back, all of the tk tabs, and most of the runic tabs, don’t look good.

Any other’s thought on this book?

Merry Christmas,

Fred

**Stossgruppe3** · 12-25-2003, 06:39 PM

There are a lot of bad mistakes in this book, its hardly worth buying. There are much better books on the market now. David

**Dennis S** · 12-25-2003, 09:03 PM

Hi, I would like to hear from some of our resident experts. I think page numbers
would be best. I have the book and I saw some obvious ones, especialy the cloth skull on an overseas hat. From prior threads on the forum, I was under the impression he was a stand up guy, or is he just not that squared away.

Regards Dennis

**John Pic** · 12-25-2003, 10:46 PM

Hello all,He is a stand up guy.Yes the book has some questionable items.Not everyone can be on top of it all.

**herrgeezer** · 12-25-2003, 10:46 PM

Originally posted by fldjr

Hello David,
That one is known as a “bigfoot” - it is a reproduction.

I recently got this book as well, and have to admit I was disappointed. Yes, the photography is great, but there are a lot of insignias in there that are fake, IMHO. In the insignia section in the back, all of the tk tabs, and most of the runic tabs, don’t look good.

Any other’s thought on this book?

Merry Christmas,

Fred

Thanks Fred for straightening me out on the correct vernacular. I had one of these eagles years ago and was told that it was a repro, but I had never seen one presented in a book either way.

Can you elaborate regarding your concerns on the tabs you mention. i.e, what specifically, what turns you cold?

**herrgeezer** · 12-25-2003, 10:49 PM

Originally posted by Stossgruppe3

There are a lot of bad mistakes in this book, its hardly worth buying. There are much better books on the market now. David

Hello Stossgruppe3. Can you elaborate on the items you feel are inacurate? Also, what other books would you suggest to purchase? Thanks.

**herrgeezer** · 12-25-2003, 10:57 PM

Originally posted by John Pic

Hello all,He is a stand up guy.Yes the book has some questionable items.Not everyone can be on top of it all.

I have dealt with Peter several times in the past and have always been satisfied with the our transactions. Even when I returned an item, it was with no questions asked.

I'm just trying to learn from observation here since I don't have the opportunity of handling a great number of WSS items - so what are some of the other questionable pieces that you note John?

**herrgeezer** · 12-25-2003, 11:01 PM

Originally posted by Dennis S

Hi, I would like to hear from some of our resident experts. I think page numbers
would be best. I have the book and I saw some obvious ones, especialy the cloth skull on an overseas hat. From prior threads on the forum, I was under the impression he was a stand up guy, or is he just not that squared away.

Regards Dennis

Hi Dennis. Are you referring to the cap on page 23? What are some of the features you look for in identifing original TKs?

**John Pic** · 12-26-2003, 03:03 AM

The Bigfoot for one and the TK tunic with Mirror insignia,I find the skull tabs odd but they could vert well be variations.

**Patrick Dempsey** · 12-26-2003, 04:46 AM

Hello all,
here is an old thread with participation by one of the authors. Should prove useful.
http://daggers.infopop.net/2/OpenTop...1&m=5683053325

Patrick.

Join Date: Nov 2024 · 12-26-2003, 09:28 AM

Hello David,

I also the proud owner of a “bigfoot”.

On p. 102, center photo shows 4 runic tabs. Top left one has what appears to be a good RZM tag, but only has 2 strands of twisted piping, instead of the correct 3. Piping on top right tab is too thick (same as Standartenfuhrer and lower right TK tab on same page). Tab on lower left I’d want to take a closer look at. Tab on lower right is too big. Also, the shape and orientation of the runes on all 4 of these tabs does not conform to what is considered “standard’ or “textbook”.

P. 102 bottom photo has 4 TK tabs. 2 embroidered ones on top One at top right is the best made of the 4, but still does not look correct (shape of crossbones on right side in particular). Lower left woven tab has incorrect shape to cranium. Lower right one, my 6 year old could tell on that one.

P. 104 top photo has 6 embroidered runic tabs. I don’t like any of the top 3, all are “variant” forms of embroidery. I believe the 1<SUP>st</SUP> one is a known fake. The bottom 3 I’m not so sure about. 1<SUP>st</SUP> one has a square shape to it, but could be because it was remounted to backing, embroidery doesn’t look bad. Center one does is again a variant style of embroidery, and looks like it has too much backing material. The SS1 tab, is so worn it’s tough to tell - it has the thread outline on the back that seems to only show up on later tabs.

P. 104 bottom photo, both bevo tabs are bad.

All of that said, I consider myself a beginner at this stuff, and will gladly chow down on a heaping platter of crow, if I am corrected by the experts.

I realize that every reference is bound to have some errors, but for one published in 2001 (and which cost $40), it seems to have too many questionable items in it.

Maybe this quote from the text helps explain why:
”the great majority of the uniforms and insignia illustrated in the 150 colour photographs in this book have been selected in the former Soviet Union, particularly in the Baltic countries”.

No hard feelings to the authors, other than my $40 could have been better spent.

Regards,

Fred

**John Pic** · 12-26-2003, 10:09 AM

Fred, Runes with both two strands and three strand twisted piping existed during the Third Reich. Two strand examples were found early on and especially on allgemeine SS tunics. There are photo examples in Mike Beavers books.There was a series of fakes made with two strands as well but they are easily spotted.

The Lothar Debes eagle I refered to in the GDC thread has proven to be a period style,in fact a wartime photo of one in wear can be seen on another thread at GDC.

The Bigfoot is refered to as being a fake style eagle but I havent disregarded that perhaps it could have been copied from an original style.No one knows where they were made and when and I have seen a roll of the officer flatwire style that suposedly were from a vet buy.But you know how that goes,I would need better proof.One thing Ive noted about them is they come in two woven teqniques,in one the reverse of the patch is a bundle of loose white thread, in another it is more neatly done just like period pieces.

**Dennis S** · 12-26-2003, 12:23 PM

Originally posted by herrgeezer

Hi Dennis. Are you referring to the cap on page 23? What are some of the features you look for in identifing original TKs?

Dave, I'm yacking about page numbers and I can't find my book. The bevo skull I'm thinking about has a prominent backward C instead of the faint 3 type of
stitching on the temple area of the skull. I' m no expert, but back in the day
before this was corrected on other repro's, such as the elongated socket ones
this was the obvious part you always targeted.
I really believe he is a stand up guy from from the other members comments.
I agree no one is perfect, but when your in business peddling these items for thousands of dollars and at premium prices to boot, you just gotta do your homework. Regards Dennis

**Stossgruppe3** · 12-26-2003, 02:57 PM

Big Foot

I am continuely amazed that Mr.Big-Foot and his companions are still managing to fool people. I have seen him, in different colours and designs. I actually have two at home in flat wire and tan. What is it that some of you people think, that makes you feel he is real ...... ? David

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