Luftwaffe Enlisted/NCO's Schirmmütze

[FALLSCHIRMJAGER]

Alright, thanks for the info on it.
At least something on it is real I guess, although finding out this is fake has pretty much killed my enthusiasm for these kinds of things as a hobby.
I looked at it a bit closer, and the lining on the inside is completely loose right where the insignias fit on, don't know what on earth to do with all the fake stuff I apparently have.
Once again though, thanks for telling me about it.

Hi Laseki,welcome to the forum and sorry to hear the bad news on parts of your collection,it really can be a mine field these days! On the bright side,you have found a forum here that has some really experienced collectors,who will be more than happy to give you their advice and thoughts on any item in advance of you buying it.Stick with it but really really try and find the resources(books etc)that you need in your particular field of collecting.All the best for the future!! Leon.

[Wagriff]

Laseki, I'll tell you a Secret.....Everyone in this hobby gets stuck once in awhile-and it's more often than not when they are just starting out. Every one of the "big names" here as well as the total newby-they All get nailed at one time or another. But, it's how you Learn. Sure, it ***** royally to lose money, but every time it happens, you learn something new and useful-what to look for or Not to look for. And, as Leon said, you've found This Site-which is like Nothing any of us had when We first began. On this site, you'll find expert knowledge and advice and photo galleries of genuine specimens and their specifications that would have been science fiction years ago-and here it is for Free and a Thank you! So, if you see something that you're interested in, post a Good photo of it here BEFORE you buy it and then you'll know for Sure it's either good or not good! This site is here to help teach and protect the hobbyists. If you keep that in mind, you can't go wrong! Don't throw away a chance to hold History in your hand because of a bad experience-Use it to keep it from ever happening again!

[COLONELHESSLER]

Good morning,
Completely agree with William, and Léon.
This forum has taught me a lot of very interesting things. And the authentication specialists on this site are more experienced than the sellers themselves....
Philip.

[Kohima]

I would add one thing, regarding photographs.
Don’t use things like photobucket, that obscure most of the image with their enormous property mark. Use your own, clean, well-lit and focused photographs (deep shadow and backlit silhouettes are not useful).
As the gentlemen above advise, do not despair! There is much to enjoy about this hobby.
Books first, plenty of study, this forum.
Your best weapons against the fraudsters!

[ErWeSa]

I would add one thing, regarding photographs.
Don’t use things like photobucket, that obscure most of the image with their enormous property mark. Use your own, clean, well-lit and focused photographs (deep shadow and backlit silhouettes are not useful).
As the gentlemen above advise, do not despair! There is much to enjoy about this hobby.
Books first, plenty of study, this forum.
Your best weapons against the fraudsters!

Lasekis's last activity was in june 2017, the thread stems from 2013 - I am not sure whether he is still with us.

[ME110]

I can only echo the views expressed above. I have been Collecting since the 1980s and have numerous books on the subject, but before purchasing anything (even from reputable dealers) I will always first Post the item online for confirmation of authenticity. Even dealers make mistakes. Some Forum members are amongst the most knowledgeable individuals out there in their particular niche field - be it Medals, Equipment, Headdress, Helmets etc and you will soon learn whose opinion to value to give you piece of mind prior to purchasing.

[stonemint]

Sani is an uncommon 'farbe to find for Luftwaffe.
here is an original example for comparison: