Ww2 has always fascinated me and always enjoyed learning about it. Recently I started watching videos on youtube on metal detecting on battlefields and the such, which got me looking at different things. I'd like to start a collection of USA, Japan, and German uniforms and medals. I have realized there is a vast amount of different medals and each has a different significance. My thought is to start with a few books so I know what I am buying and learn more about the war in general. I have seen some of the collections on here and it's quite impressive.
Welcome aboard HomerS! Very glad to have you. We have a few good militaria resources here. Be sure to check out RRA227's posts. Hes a goldmine for collectors.
A very warm welcome to the Forum, Homer S ! You're definitely moving in the right direction with the comment I've quoted above. US and Japanese militaria isn't too difficult, and as Otto rightly says, Rich (RRA227) knows his stuff. But please - be very, VERY careful with German WW2 militaria. I'm fortunate enough to have been collecting for more years than I care to admit and I'm sorry to say that the sheer volume of FAKED material out there is distressing to me. Even serious collectors can be tricked out of large sums of money. But please don't despair - honest items can be found, but research is essential. Forums such as this one have much to offer in their archives.
Thanks for the welcome. I have read that on several things online. Just scrolling through stuff that's for sale I have noticed there is a ton of fake stuff out there. A Collector's Guild, seems to be an honest site for german stuff. I have been doing a lot of looking and it's pretty overwhelming with what I really want my collection to be based on, so for now I want to get a decent library going just to avoid getting just a bunch of random stuff that I don't know anything about. Are there any good book sites out there, I have ordered a few off thriftbooks, and of course amazon and eBay.
A book that I ( and quite a number of other collectors ) recommend is 'Deutsche Soldaten - Uniforms, Equipment and Personal Items Of The German Soldier 1939-45' by Agustin Saiz ( Casemate 2008 ). It's a large, profusely-illustrated book. It may a little difficult to find now but it's worth it - it can save you a lot of money. For sure it will vastly increase your knowledge. After that, there are specialist books about almost every German militaria item. For instance, more collectors seem to get 'burned' now by German helmets than almost anything else. If ever you are tempted to venture into Stahlhelm territory, I highly recommend ken Niewiarowicz's classic book, 'Germany's Combat Helmets 1933-1945 - A Modern Study' ( James R bender Publishing ). This one can save you a lot of money...... Be patient - you'll find good stuff !
The main problem is that often the fake helmets are from the area 1944-1945 so you cannot really say they are Fakes. If you have a helmet number you might find the Date when the helmet was made.
Glad to have you aboard. I'm not a collector myself, but you'll do yourself a favor if you research first. I agree with those who posted above. Rich (RRA227) is a good place to start. There are many resources that you can check. Don't buy anything until you've researched and checked its provenance. Good luck.
Thanks for the info on the books, ordered a few already . I had no idea there were numbers on the helmets. Just cruising facebook marketplace and craigslist, seems like there is a ton of fake stuff out there. Some looks pretty authentic and is extremely cheap compared to what I have seen on several of the sites I have seen posted on here and some is just ridiculous expensive and looks like it was made yesterday. Do the more reputable dealers generally issue an authenticity card or is that something you have to ask for?
COA's are a difficult area. They are usually provided for autographs etc, but you'll be lucky to get one for a medal or helmet etc. If something you buy proves to be fake, a reputable dealer will usually refund. before we sound to discouraging, the best advice is to ease into collecting ( especially German items ) with more reasonably-priced items which are not yet widely faked ( such as messkits, ammo pouches, gasmasks, wound badges, etc ). These will give you a 'feel' for what looks and feels 'right'. Many of my best ( and most expensive ) items have come via militaria fairs, or visits to dealers premises. Something may look right in photos, have all the right markings ( the Chinese fakers are very good at this...) but when you hold it in your hand - sometimes it just doesn't look/feel 'right' for an 80-year old antique.......
If the dealer is "clean " he usually gives the COA with the item. You need not ask for one.But never make the deal with no COA as we have seen even famous militaria sites can sell items that are fake. COA.
Whatever, If you later on decide to sell the COA will give you the easy way as the buyer wants the COA anyway. Less gray hair.
