Paul R

Laurence, That is a beautiful Order! What was it awarded for? Hendrik, Welcome to the forum! Regards Paul

'Thanks Christophe! I hope to bulk up my WW1 collection in the next few weeks! Paul

Thanks for the price information! Do these pistols normally come with the holster, lanyard, cleaning kit, and etc? Regards and Happy Thanksgiving, Paul

Rusty, Thank you for sharing this beautiul revolver! What are these going for these days? Regards Paul

I agree Don! I too prefer items that appear to have actually been used... but not abused! A very handsome Heer/KM bar!(although I am more than 99.9% confident that it is Heer with the grey backing). Paul

From what I have learned, it could be one of a whole array of possiblities. What is the last ribbon on the bar? Paul

Based upon a close exam, including a "burn test" of some loose material I am starting to doubt my original assessment. The burnt material smelled and burned like wool. Secondly, there is evidence of that excess piping that I mentioned earlier. (remains of stitching that would have bound the piping ends to the back of the tab). The only remaining question I have now is what the backing material could be. I am not able to safely remove a piece for a burn test. If anyone else has an idea how to identify material without destroying the tab, please let me know! At this point, I am willing to go with the assumption that these are now authentic until I learn otherwise. Please, if you find any other LW tabs you feel to be repro or fake please post them! Thank you Gene! Regards Paul

Jason, I love that bar! That gentleman has been through a lot... four wounds!! Paul

Bob! Your bars are absolutely stunning!!!! Please keep post pigging!!!

Thank you, Otto! Paul

You are right... I have never seen that tag before! What is the story on it? Where did you find it? Nice! Paul

The Stazi uniforms I feel are the best looking second only to the Fallschirmjager! That Weinrot waffenfarb really gave the tunic the ominous appearance it the branch deserved! Paul

Thank you for posting these boards! I am a real sucker for waffenfarbe I am curious as to why they decided to combine all of the rear service jobs under one waffenfarbe. I love to see medical as a cornflower blue instead of a pine green... like all of the people in supply and administatraion. Paul

Lets see the numbers....please I have always wondered what the backs of those looked like! Regards Paul

Thank you all for posting your beautiful examples! Paul

Thank you for showing!

Hi Gene! Great to see you! Thank you for your respected input on this set of tabs. From what I have learned, the black light technique should not be the sole factor in determining authenticity. The black light results simply added weight to what my feelings are based on the other factors I mentioned. What is your opinion on the other points mentioned? Do you feel that there is a chance for these tabs? I am still learning and am open to thoughts on this set! I received these for free as reproduction. If they turn out to be real... Very respectfully Paul Reck

It is getting pretty scary. A year ago I would have bought these tabs thinking that they were the real thing. Now I see why specializing and exposure to that speciality are so important. Regards Paul

Interesting bars... I have never seen Spanish Ribbon Bars before. Is there a way to contact the owner to request photos of the back? I would suspect that the bottom plasitic bars are real as they are not so easy to piece together. Regards Paul

I agree with don... Seeing how the damage is modern, I would replace the medal with another. Regards Paul

I am afraid that I do not know anything about these goggles... what features in your experience highlight these as fakes? Regards Paul

I apologize for breaking your thread while you were posting... I was referring to number 16. Paul (please be gentle as Imperial is new to me!)

Beautiful awards! I am honestly completely stumped... The last one most resembles the Lippe Honor Cross 3rd class. Of course, that is not what it is, but am I at least in the right area? Paul

landsknechte Nice bars... I have never seen the Albrechtorden on a ribbon bar!! Very nice! Paul

back... here you can see the traces of blue. I originally bought the bar thinking that it was a lifesaving medal.