WW2 British Airborne Items wanted

[arnhem44]

Hello I am a collector of WW2 British airborne items, I would be very interested to hear from any fellow members who may have genuine WW2 British Airborne related cloth insignia, headdress or uniform items to offer . Kindest Regards . Jim .

[AndyGPR]

Welcome in fella, good to see another Airborne collector here.

Wish I could help you in your quest to build-up your collection but my spares situation isn't what it used to be.

Have you got a wants-list?.

ATB,

Andy.

[arnhem44]

Hi Andy . 

Wants list is quite large as I am at the start of this journey ( coming from a thirty year background in German predominantly SS ) I've a couple of Pegasus patches and an interesting Scottish Airborne grouping. So ; looking for genuine wartime British airborne insignia, 1st pattern smock, 43 or 44 dated beret, leather strap helmet ect ect .. 

Jim . 

[AndyGPR]

So, you really are just starting out then my friend. It's going to be a long and winding road and you may encounter a few pot-holes along the way; empty wallet syndrome is highly possible, enjoyment is a certainty

As I'm sure you'll know from your time spent collecting German militaria Jim, knowledge is everything. Being up-to-speed regarding current market values is a must. Save lots of pics to a folder on your PC, having plenty that show the good, the bad, and the ugly has served me well over the years. Visit some of the more well-known websites of those who specialise in reproduction items, just to get a feel for what is being reproduced these days.... remember, to save a few pics of what you find.

First pattern Denisons; there's often at least one for sale somewhere. Quite a few will have the full-length zip conversion; not sure if that's something that bothers you or not. The airborne helmets with leather chin straps are a wise choice; they're considered a better investment. Something like a 1943 dated G&S helmet would be cheaper and easier to find than one with a fibre-rim. Maroon berets; naturally, the earlier the date the more desirable and expensive they become. You should be able to pick-up a '44 dated one wthout too much difficulty though.

Many Brit Airborne collectors have a fixation with 1944, a bit like RAF collectors have with 1940 (BoB year). This obviously stems from the famous Airborne Ops that took place that year; do remember though, the largest Airborne Op of WWII ('Varsity') took place in '45.

Best of luck.

Andy.

 

Edited March 24, 2016 by AndyGPR