Collecting WWII stuff

Discussion in 'For Sale & For Trade' started by indigo, May 14, 2004.

  1. indigo

    indigo Junior Member

    Hi all,

    I've been a WWII fan for quite some time, mostly reading and travelling to WWII sites. Lately I've started to grow an interest for collecting WWII items, such as medals, uniforms and other small items. The problem is that there seems to be more fake items than original items, so I need someone to guide me. I need something that says "If you buy this item, look for the x in the right corner. If it's missing it's a fake."

    So, anyone know any good forums? Websites? Books? Stores in south Sweden/east Denmark? Any other suggestions? I've been thinking about buying a known fake collection first to give me some understanding, but not sure yet.

    I'm mainly interested in the European theater.
     
  2. perce620

    perce620 Member

    Robin Lumsden has done a book called detecting the fkes which deals with WW2 German badges uniforms etc which is very good. talk to other collectors and dealers in your area. I'm part of the military collectors forum on the web I can let you have the email if you want it
     
  3. indigo

    indigo Junior Member

    Email would be nice. Thanks.
     
  4. perce620

    perce620 Member

    the forum address is www.milcol.net
    not bad forum
     
  5. DirtyDick

    DirtyDick Senior Member

    Apart from the Air Crew Europe Star (and occasionally Atlantic and Pacific stars) there is little problem with WW2 British campaign stars and medals since being unamed they have no great value; the same goes for French and Belgium campaign awards.

    Since c.1970 American medal manufacturers have been given leave to produce 'official' restrikes of WW2 awards and others by the US Government, hence the glut of US medals selling for £2-3 on ebay etc. They are no less legitimate than others, it is just that they were not produced at the time and issued to a serviceman (and if a WW2 vet loses his original medals he will be given a set of recent manufacture).

    These more recent medals are obviously less sought after than originals, although compared with WW2-issue awards there are some differences: modern strikings are generally more shiny and given a wash that makes the highlights stand out and leaves recesses in shadow; and their suspension brooches look modern - original WW2 medal suspension bars were sewn to the ribbon or held in place by backplate.

    However, named medals attract more than unnamed, and over the years original issue unnamed conduct or bravery awards (i.e. those that can be named on the reverse) have been engraved with names. Since only the name is engraved - which could be made up or based on genuine recipient - and many different forms of official stamping or private engraving were used, it is a minefield unless you know what you are looking for.

    As to Nazi memorabilia, it never greatly appealed to me. In part this was due to the high number of excellent quality fakes on the market and the sky high prices of most such objects. All I can recommend is that you start by buying from reputable dealers with money-back guarantees.

    Richard
     

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