PJS

Hi Stewy How good is that...tracking down the Westwall document. To me this is what collecting is all about. I used to just save my money, buy an item and as soon as I got it in the mail, have a quick look then put it in the display cabinet with the rest of like items. I want say I was unhappy with that but it was all about money and the more you had the bigger and better your collection got. I read a thread by Chris Boonziaier (sorry Chris if I spelt that wrong) on another forum and it was he who got me thinking about collecting and what it means to me. Chris as you may know collects WW1 documents mainly and I was fascinated by what he could work out just from this simple piece of paper. Anyway, thats how I started. I dont have many but these days documents are about all I buy. Great to talk to you and again real nice duo that and I would like to see the Pz Gren grouping you have. Phil

Nice document and badge stewy. What do you do with them from here?? In that I mean do you research into the unit the winner of the document belonged to and the signature of the commander on the document. I think it makes collecting documents that much better when you look into the history of the document. Heaven forbid I love and do collect German medals and badges but they cant tell you much because they do not have the recipients name engraved on them or anything like that. Documents on the other hand can lead you into all sorts of research and at the end of the day when you finally have the units history all mapped out leading up to the awarding of the badge, then that to me is what military collecting is all about. Sorry Stewy I am ranting on a bit....nice duo as I said. Phil

Ok guys here is one I would like your opinions on. I am in a position to buy this but thought I would get a second opinion. These are the only pics I have...any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys certainly food for thought. I have been collecting TR badges and other items since about 95 and yes I have been burnt more than once but fortunatly not on anything expensive. Still leaves a sour taste in your mouth though. I guess during that time I have learnt a bit and can most times spot a fake IAB, PAB etc but this Imperial stuff is new to me. I have acquired a nice MVK 3rd class with swords in the case and also the same in second class but again I dont really know what I am looking for yet hence my question about a reference work. A question to you Beau is would you name the dealer who sells the fakes Bavarian MVK's only so as I avoid that person. Can do it in a personal message if you like. Speaking of fake MVK's it was only today whilst searching ebay (I dont normally buy from that source) a spotted a fake MVK 1st class being sold right here in Australia. The only reason I spotted it is that the swords did not look to be in the correct position so I had a closer look and noticed that the symbol on the front of the medal (I think it is an L) was also on the reverse instead of the lion. Now I am only a beginner here but that isnt supposed to be is it? Many thanks guys I think I will do a bit of posting on this forum before buying. Phil Australia

Hi, I have been a keen collector of Third Reich medals and badges for quite some years but recently started to collect a few Imperial items. To be honest I am sick of the cries "this is a fake" and "that is a fake" with third reich items (I have no doubt some are but some are most certainly not) and for me it has tainted the hobby somewhat. Anyway, I am very keen on Bavarian medals and have started to buy a couple and I would like to know from you guys in the know, are there many Imperial fakes out there. I realise EK's are faked across the board and some Prussian high end medals but does anyone know of fake Bavarian or Saxony medals. Also is their a single good reference book which could be recommended to me. Thanks in advance. Phil :cheers:

I agree..nice piece plenty of history attached to this one. Well worn and absolutely authentic in my view.

Thanks Christophe...nice to put a name to a face. Have a good day Phil

An extremely nice postcard Christophe.....very nice indeed. Phil

Hi Christophe That is really amazing. You dont happen to have a name for this chap do you and/or what regiment he was attached to. I also have the portrait pic that you have shown. I purchased the set of three from a dealer in Germany. Thankyou so much for sharing those pictures with me. Phil

Well you learn something everyday and I will certainly take your word for it Sas......thanks very much...really appreciate it. Phil

Can anybody tell me what the third medal is on this chaps medal bar? I have been told that it is a Prussian Landwehr service medal 1913 but I thought they were on a royal blue ribbon and this medal is not attached to a royal blue ribbon. It could be a landwehr service medal but from which state. Any help will be appreciated. Phil

Hi David, I like them...very much actually. Every time I see early 57 badges like these I grow more fond of them. I only have a couple myself but am always looking for the odd goodun to come along. All a matter of limited money I am afraid. Anyway...I think they are really nice. Phil

Looks ok to me but hard to tell for sure with the pictures supplied.

Thanks for the link Prosper and I agree it looks very similar if not the same in outline but the picture is way to pixilated to see any detail and of course there is no pic of the rear of the badge.....makes sense since you are not buying an original. Nevertheless, one must ask one self when they cast this repro badge as shown what did they use as a model to go by. Perhaps they used an original badge fior the mold perhaps not but as I said and I will stick by that....if the dealer will refund take a chance in life. Hell we were told never to buy flat backed panzer badges not that long ago. Adios amigo Phil

Thankyou for that info.....I have always wondered why some badges have the makers mark and some dont even thought they are obviously one and the same maker. I too have heard that story about LDO outlets selling the badges with makers marks and the ones without were presented to the recipients but like a lot of theories it is full of holes. I knew the early Junckers aluminium para badges were marked then they make runs without marks.....very strange but I guess some mind far greater than mine will come up with a reason. Whether its the truth is another matter entirely. Cheers for the info. Phil