Starting an SS exclusively Collection

[Wood-SS]

I've been collecting for six months now. I would like to start an all SS collection.
My question is where should I start? When it comes to the SS my main interests are in the LAH, and the Waffen-SS in general. Right now all I have is a lot of SS photos that will be framed soon.

Where I want to be is a few nice signatures, insignia, awards (with or without documentation), field gear, and maybe a tiny bit of headgear.

How should I start this collection, and how did some of you SS collectors start?

[anniekaa]

buy books ,find people that collect ss, have a good look at the e stand and the best of all is listen to what some members of this forum have to say.
have patience........

happy hunting

tonnie

[Massimo F.]

Before jumping over the cliff of SS collecting I suggest you to study the history of the SS first and acquire the reference material (books) related to cloth insignia, uniforms, headgear. It's a very appealing branch of TR collecting and big money is involved this means that you'll encounter several individual that will try to take advantage of the "enthusiasm". Start from the "cheapest" SS insignia around to become familiar with wartime material, touch and smell the "old cloth" once you're familiar with the items and you built along the way a network of trustworthy collector friends you can move on into the real minefield and look for more expensive and rare items.

Good Luck!

[Wood-SS]

I have been interested in the SS for years now, but just have never had the motivation to start a collection until now. Thank you again for the tip Krieg I hope to get my first cufftitle around summer time. Until then if any of you have an SS trap, collar tab, or arm eagle you're interested in selling PM me.

Always interested,
Taylor

[kammo man]

start with a Standart !!!!

[Wood-SS]

start with a Standart !!!!

Haha...

[Richard P]

That's actually good advice from Owen. He started out buying standards...and when he found out all were fake, he went for the crudest form of militaria that was still SS he could find...camo! Thus Kammo Man was created, and the rest is history.

Just kidding Owen...please don't knife me at the next So Cal Collectors meeting.

Richard

[Military]

My advice is dont start. Once the SS Monkey clings onto your back, he will never let go.

[B. Dietz]

As mentioned start with reference materials, you can dump a whole lot of coin on this to start.

[Military]

I strongly recommend Robin's book.

[Mr.Jerry D]

Jerry's Beginners Guide to Collecting SS:

1.) Get a good job
2.) Make lots of money
3.) Take a big pile of hard earned money and throw it away

If you can do that without puking or crying, you are now ready to collect SS...

But seriously, there are enough resources here on the forum and in some good reference books to help guide you. Don't be too proud to use them or ask for opinions BEFORE you buy something.

There was a guy here that was buying SS from an antique dealer here in town, because he though our prices were too high. When he finally did come around to show us, it turned out that everything he bought was fake. All he had to do was ask.

Any dealer worth dealing with will gladly offer a return period. Good stuff will always sell.

Most importantly have fun with it!
It can be time consuming, and frustrating but well worth it when you find that original piece of history.

Jerry

ps- there is a great Bender book on the LAH, it may be out of print, but worth looking for.

[bwanek1]

I recommend Crack instead. It is less addictive and less costly both financially and in damage to your life.

[Ian Hulley]

Start by buying reference books and reading this and the other forums. Buy a few textbook original pieces (approved here first) and study them, note the construction techniques, feel and everything about them. Then and only then venture out on your own ... otherwise you're in for an expensive and frustrating time, most of us have been there and it's NOT a nice place, trust me.

Good luck, Ian.

[Dr. Strangelove]

Crack

Listen to Bwanek1, he gives sound advice. Crack is cheaper and you might be able to scrape by on a 99 cent Menu somewhere. If you collect SS you will spend more Money and Starve. In the alternative, if smoking Rock is not your Bag, become addicted to Tattoos and Facial Piercings. At least you will have something to show for your efforts at the end of the Day.

[Ian Hulley]

I strongly recommend Robin's book.

Who's he then ?

Ian