Scott

Thanks guys. It piqued my interest but was a bit out of 'lane' collecting wise. Unfortunately it's long gone now, but I'll know what to look for in the future. Scott

More great photos. Love the 'cut-out' WWI wound bage on the last one, and it looks like his EKI may have burnished highlights on the core. Scott

The price in my previous email was incorrect. As of last night the high bid was at ~$117. Thanks again for the words of caution on these. Scott

I think last night they shot past $150 (they may be higher now). They don't close for another day or two. The opening bid was $20, so I thought I'd ask for opinions in case the bids stayed low. I'm not a 'tab guy', but that could change for a good price. Scott

Thanks gents. I spoted them on Manion's - hence my authinticity concern. However, the bids for the tabs have since gone above my interest level, so my purchase interest is now mute. However, I did learn from your comments . Thanks again. Scott

Julius "not a rocket scientist" Streicher got his neck stretched on the Nuremberg gallows October 1, 1946... Scott

I think I hear crickets Any opinions at all? They are either so textbook 'right' it's a waste of time to answer, or so obviously fake it's an even bigger waste of time to answer. However, I hold out hope someone provide an opinion one way or the other Scott

These are being offered at a decent price, and I wanted to know if they look proper and correct for period tabs. Thanks! Scott

Nice one Jos! Scott

Correct Wessel. An ordinary NSDAP party pin would not be allowed; but the Gold Party Badge was an official award for significant contributions to the party. Note it's precidence above the Iron Cross 1st Class. Scott PS: Nice photos!

Very nice.

John, great series of photos - thanks for sharing them. Just curious, can you positively date the last photo (in the RAD uniform) to 1938? Thanks. Scott

Thanks Rick. Definitely not my specialty, but I've always liked the look of the early Turkish pilot badge. However, I'm sure there are repros out there. Perhaps others have opinions on this one? Scott

I did a forum search for "pilot" and found a detailed thread, but most of the photos have been removed . So, would anyone knowledgeable on such things care to give an opinion on this one? Period made? Turkish or German made? To me, the pin looks like those used on repro German badges (?) (the badge is not mine). Thanks! Scott

I failed to mention in my earlier post how nice those tunics are - both are real eye-poppers! Scott

Jon, the two bars on the sleeves designated the NCO as a "Speiss" or senior NCO for the unit (similar to a first sergeant). Not certain if the KM used this 2-stripe degnation, but most all Heer, LW, and SS units used it. Cheers. Scott

All good advice gentlmen - thank you. I'll leave the old bayonet as-is. Scott

I have an old, WWII German Mauser bayonet I've had for 30 years. Overall, it's in decent shape, but it never had much blue finish on it. A friend suggested I have the bayonet reblued to restore the finish. As this bayonet is like an old friend, I thought I'd look into it. After a quick web search, I discovered there are two main types of blueing: 'cold' and 'hot'. Apparantly, cold blueing is cheap and easy, but the results are often disappointing. Hot blueing sounds better, but I've found little guidance on what it might cost to hot blue a bayonet (just the handle area as the blade is in decent shape). Is hot blueing something any competent gun shop can perform, or is it a specialty thing I'd have to mail my bayonet off to be done? Any advice/experience to share would be appreciated. Thanks! Scott

Great photos Jacques! Looks like the NCO in post #61 is wearing the ribbon for the White Military Cross with swords. Scott

Nice photos Jon. I believe Gefreiter was the lowest rank to become a pilot - even before the war. I have a pilot certificate to a Gefreiter from Sep 1936. Scott

Thank you gentlemen! Scott

Top of case...

Close-up views, front & back:

IMO, this is one of the most beautiful awards I've laid eyes on. My research tells me it's a Bulgarian Military Order of Merit 4th Class. However, I'd like some assistance determining the period it would have been awarded. Should there be any maker marks on it? Are these faked? Finally, is there any information on how many were originally awarded? Thanks in advance! Scott

Nice find!