zook

Gents - I have just recently started delving into pickelhaubes. Attached pics depict a helmet available from a dealer I am familiar with in the states. I am contemplating purchase. Beyond being a Prussian line-officer's haube (possible pioneer?) ... I was wondering if anyone had any additional thoughts on this helmet. I value your thoughts, opinions and info.. thanks in advance... Dan [attachmentid=41908] [attachmentid=41909]

No kidding! - I am missing out on this dealer!

Gentlemen, Request your help! - I am looking to see if anyone has any biographical information on Hauptman Rolf Due. I know he was an officer in the 1st PzJagtAbt 19, and was awarded the Knight's Cross on 23 March 1945. I would like to learn more about him and his exploits. Does anyone have a biographical info on this Panzerjaeger? ... or can you steer me in the direction of a good book(s) on this officer? regards, Dan

Hello all - Looking to find info on how to research info on Panzerjager Knight's cross winners/exploits from WW2. Is there such a solid reference? regards, Dan

Very nice! - especially the engraved cross (my personal favorite of the 3) ... Dan

Thanks for the comments guys! Bob - to answer your question, it is a "57" RK in the photo. I have a few of them, some nice, early versions...some not. Don't wish to get too far out of the imperial realm, but I must comment that I wish I would have bought a period RK when I was "young and stupid" - vice now (over 40 w/4 young kids!!!). I don't think I could justify (sleep at night) paying current market prices for a basic RK (no provenance)... Regarding the German Cross - my opinion only, but that is one "57" award that I believe was improved upon! Beyond political implications, I thought the 3rd Reich award was just somewhat ugly. I like the design with the EK in the center. My imperial EK1s (top left) are all various types (vaults, screwbacks) of 1914 crosses...so I think I will set my sights on a nice 1870 EK1 down the road! Dan

Marshall et al- There was on EK 1st class (1914) that I wanted, and it didn't go at the auction. I sent an email inquiry...next thing I know it was in the mail to me at the auction bid price, plus commission. My first experience (auction) with Andreas ... he does seem to be a man of few words! regards, Dan

[attachmentid=39709] ...with the rest of the family (attached..)

[attachmentid=39708] Stogieman and Marshall - thanks for the tips on sources... I fell back on my old source Detlev Niemann for the purchase of my first 1813 cross - (he was probably happy to oblige .. Anyway, the cross has two hairline cracks in the core, but I think it has nice early features, stepped center, and solid silver frame... pictured at left.. Dan

Greg - I am curious... what jumps out at you? To me, yes - the engraving on the revers... The pin looks too big to me.... and something about the crown bugs me. Would be anxious to hear from others. Again, just trying to "beef up my skills" as I get back into this... regards, Dan (Zook)

Greg, Marshall and Glenn.. Thanks for the welcome and the notes! I look forward to learning and contributing! - Marshall - I took your advice and checked out the "Andreas Thies" pending auction....WOW. I must admit I was not familiar with his sale, and I was COMPLETELY overwhelmed by the volume and rarety of some of the items. Wietze's site - I noticed he has an 1813 EK2 for sale, but it "seems" pricey (2,000 EUROS) ...especially for the condition... am I off base on that comment? .. or is there something special about that cross that I am not picking up on? I was figuring I could wait and find a nice period piece more along the price range that you mentioned in your post. Anyway, what a great forum, I look forward to learning a lot and participating in some great exchanges. I may "disappear from the net" for a spell during this summer, as I am active military and have one more obligation before retirement - other than that, I look forward to this site! Regards, Dan

Hi Gents... Checking out my old sources and collecting chums, I was directed at this website forum...and I am truly impressed. Wow - I have been missing out. I collect Soviet and American medals, but my "roots" are with collecting iron crosses, and I wish to get back into the hobby again. Along those lines, I have never owned an 1813 cross, and I hope to pursue a purchase this year (2nd class!!). Most of my crosses are from the later eras. I know Detlev carries them from time to time, but I was wondering if anyone else has a recommended seller? I am not sure who reputably deals with 1813 crosses these days. Since I have collected crosses in a while - I not only assume the items are being heavily faked, but I am going to go out on a limb and assume the number of folks that participate in that nefarious tradecraft have increased !