Starting an SS exclusively Collection

[Military]

Wood-SS,

I dont really know much about your background, but if you really want to start off with SS, reference books and spending time on the forum reading past discussions would be the most sensible way. Other areas of KM, Heer, LW, are all equally fascinating. You may also wish to direct your interest into just cloth, paper, medals, trophies, uniforms, etc, rather than collecting everything. that way by being specialised, you will be more knowledgeable.

[Niederlande]

Is SS collecting worth the risky business? Once you start putting a collection together is it rewarding? Is one better off collecting KM/LW/WH? Please refrain using the topic of money in your debate...

It's very risky and the key is knowledge!
But as long as you post an item here before buying it, it's pretty save imho.

[John Pen.]

.......... Please refrain using the topic of money in your debate...........

Sorry, but SS collecting can hardly be discussed without the subject of $$$$ coming up. It's rare, and therefore expensive, and therefore heavily faked, and so on.
It's all about the Benjamins....the more you have, the less mistakes hurt, and the more GOOD stuff you can get your hands on. IMO

John Pen.

[Chad1]

rarity

Just don't collect SS because it's rare, because much of it is not.

Certainly, a completely untouched, unrestored tunic, or a black DD helmet, or some other exclusive pieces can be rare, but SS by itself is not really that rare.

It's just that a relatively small number of collectors are hogging it all.

SS = Artificial Rarity

[Mr.Jerry D]

I agree it is hard to take $ out of the equation, but without the monetary factor, that leaves room for some philosophical discussion.

Many collect SS because they were the 'elite', the best of the best. They trained hard, were outfitted with better and experimental equipment, and fought fanatically. They were well educated, in prime physical shape, and "genetically pure" They were the "ultimate bad guy". They were feared and hated by opposing troops so much that many were shot on sight.

"their Honor was Loyalty" was more than a motto. This unquestioning loyalty also brought out the dark side of the SS, as they will forever be linked to the atrocities in war and in the concentration camps, as they were essentially the machinery of the death camps.

Some collectors try to make a distinction between the Waffen-SS and the others, to separate the fighting hero from the camp guard, but in many cases they were the same. They were the essence of what range of good and bad lies in each of us.

The negative connotation of the SS is enough to keep some away ( while it certainly is also a huge draw for others) A friend of mine would not collect SS but he could collect Luftwaffe.

The reasoning behind collecting is something you have to come terms with yourself. But they really had some cool stuff~!