hhbooker2

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" In 1958 when I went to Manhatan (New York City) there were still availble to collectors suits of armour, swords, shields, etc., but outfits like Robert Abels helped increase the prices so much that only museums and very rich armour collectors ended up conering the market and most was speculation. In 1967 in Chicago, Illinois comic books took off when someone forced the seeting of a price on the first issue of SUPERMAN! Comic books and spprts cards sky-rocketed! At one time you could buy original artwork used for science fiction magazine covers and I heard in the 1940s the original artwork from the 1900s to 1930s was taking off. You could also buy an 321 original painting by Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), but recently one of them sold for about US$240,000.00 or more? Nothing is sacred or safe! I used to give away my original pen and ink drawings of insignia that were in issues of the American Society of Military Insignia Collectors' Trading Post magazine, then I gave many away and a few years ago I saw some being sold by collectors and had no idea anyone would pay for them - many were insignia I drew 400% larger than actual size - I still have a lot left to give away, not sell! I drew lots of illustrations of French and British Medals, cap badges, etc. People actually frame one-of-a-kind drawings, posters, etc., even back covers from old Nayional Georgraphic Magazine sell for more than the magazines themselves - who knows what is next? Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" WILD CARD: Ever get the feeling some bidders known nothing or care about the things they bidm on are flipping the item in question and just speculating? Some people just have lots of money to throw around, like sports "heroes" who are paid millions or CEOs, etc.? "A fool and their money soon part!" goes the old proverb! Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" Was looking at the reverse of the medal and noted the suspension ring is way off centre, maybe the die was not lined up properly? Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" Chris, I removed the red from the background and lightened the image of the Grenadier Guard epaulette for you here! Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" Alexandre, there is http://www.diggerhistory.info that has what you are looking for as to Air Marshals in the Second World War. Go see DIGGER HISTORY! Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" The other day I received unsolicited email from a manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan offering me WW1 and WW2 German badges and one of them looked something likethat one, but it appeared to be sand-cast? I wonder if it is re-enactors who buy and wear these while re-enacting various campaigns? Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" 20 Mayo 1902 Recuerdo Saguala Grande (reverse side). Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" 1902 Constitucion de la Republica Cubana (obverse). Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" Reverse side of the 1882 Alfonso XII medal. Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" Here is the 1882 (obverse side) of the Alfonso XII a los Voluntarios de Cuba (Constancia Patriotismo Abnegacion). Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" Here is the reverse side of the Medruga Municipality Medal of the 1880s. Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" Here is a fascinating medal from 1880s Cuba, Madruga Municipality. Shown here is the obverse side. It is my belief that medals of Cuba are far too often over-looked and there appears to be sparse information on them. Only the medals of Puerto Rico seem harder to find? Eric Bush did a nice set of colour pages on the current Cuban ribbon bars in his RIBBON REVIEW. Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" Yes, Stolen Valor Act as I comprehend it is about people illegally getting the MEDAL OF HONOR and wearing it, but I still can buy any other medal of the United States Armed Forces here in southern California at local gunshows and insignia meetings. As I recall, the United States Congress puts forth Bills and many go nowhere with them. The only Bill from Congress that I understand passed was to do with the MOH, not necessarily the other medals. I have been collecting since the early 1950s and remember when one could not legally buy and sell U.S. Armed Forces medals. I was in the American Society of Military Insignia Collectors and contributed articles and my own graphic art and am still active in assisting writers of books on insignia as an unpaid volunteer. I believe posers who wear the MOH should be prosecuted, but do not see a need to restrict other awards. Its very easy to buy any medal or a handgun, even when it was not legal. I own neither! I gave away my own medals to a collector in the UK. Whether they pass the "Stolen Valor Act" or remains moot with all due respect, sir! Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" One could probably have a die made of the Order of Stalin and make copies marked as such for re-enactors? Looks sort of like the U.S. LEGION OF MERIT breast star, doesn't it? Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" Under U.S. Title 17, only the MEDAL OF HONOR cannot be given away, sold, or traded. No other other medals and controled as the ban of buying, trading, and selling full size U.S. medals was lifted several decades ago. eBay staff is like a box of cereal, full of flakes and nuts. Purple Heart Medal sells for about US$25.00 to US$40.00 and are quite plentiful. Distinguished Service Medals cost about US$75.00 more or less as a lot goes into manufacturing them. You always need to ask the person selling the medal how much shipping & handling will cost and if they can ship to where you are at? Under the U.S. Embargo on Cuba, we in the States cannot buy Cuban medals, so we have someone in the UK get them delivered to their address and remailed to the U.S. Be sure to have whomeversells you something declare NO VALUE on the customs declaration sticker! Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California

"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" Although not a medal, Fidel Castro-Ruz might have been familiar with Brigada Ordoqui, perhaps? Sarge Booker of Tujunga, California