SS Plane Tree #4 Cap

[drempfer]

Dan
It's no mystery I know Steve.

His caps are all made by the same guy and has been for years.

At anytime in a given month he will receive a damaged zelt with instructions to cut a few helmet covers and or caps even custom clothing.

Here's the kicker

He always used new thread to hold the items together and a blind man could see one.
Polyester thread on a vintage item is a no brainer.

The trouble comes when a 100% faker makes one to fool ....
But luckily of one has seen enough real caps they are an easy call.

If you want to play in Kammo world you got to do your homework and learn

Owen

Owen,
Thanks for the reply. I have been away from home visiting family for the Christmas holiday. I agree with your points and concur with your advice.
What I really wanted to establish for the members is that Steve (SMWholesale) exists and he definitely churns out fakes using original cloth. I am definitely NOT making him out to be a villain, as some of the members may be suggesting and I am NOT saying that he makes these items to fool any one. Instead, he is just fulfilling the wants and needs of his customers. I wanted the members to realize that many reenactors pay tailors, like at SM Wholesale, to tear up original zelts to make these caps and helmet covers. I'm just helping to spread awareness.
Now, the fact that you say Steve uses new poly thread to do these, is good info, helping to prove the point that he's not doing it to fool ... Just answering the demand of customers.
For those that think this practice is a mortal sin, why don't you just send him an email and ask him to stop? Sure, that's a bit sarcastic. On the question of WHO is making the items to fool? I have no idea.
Best,
Dan

[drempfer]

A real strange question:- " who is making this hats"
Really, you wanna be answered, or you know the the answer?!

Espenlaub,
I have no idea who the fakers are who are making caps and helmet covers to fool. I was simply stating who is filling the orders of the reenactors out there who want quality caps and helmet covers made from original material. To the best of my knowledge, both "SM Wholesale" and "At The Front" make new items from original materials (usually zelts) to make items for the reenacting community. Also, to the best of my knowledge, those companies declare those pieces as "new made" items.
You, and everyone else, are free to make your own judgements regarding those business practices.
Best,
Dan

[Marflower]

Hi
Irrespective of who is making them now, the problem will always be that an SS zeltbahn sells for around 500$. You van make 3 -5 caps? from the material, each potentially selling for 4000$ - 5000$. There will always be some enterprising person making them and not putting modern thread or using a modern sewing machine, either. Add to that, someone wearing it for a few years and it becomes very difficult for the majority of collectors to tell the difference.
Regards
John

[Ivan G.]

Very useful thread,friends: I would like to point out to fact that In the past I have seen in private collections of friends of mine several camo hats ss fakes, some with size- marks (!), some with factory marks….really a minefield!!!
Cheers
Ivan