Soft Headgear and Price Trends

[Wilhelm Saris]

I do not collect anymore TR for many, many years, but in the first years
(in about 1971) I did. I especially did like and looked for political stuff.
I was offered a complete SA-Wehrmannschaft uniform by a German, who
sold good and original stuff. It was hardly known in those days what it was.
It was offered to me including the cap, the belt with rare buckle and pants.
It's total price: 125,- Mark.

Friends I could not buy it then. It was about 75% of my months salary. I
was just married for a few years. My wife would have killed me. That's why
I started with a second job, to buy stuff for my collection. I do not have
any idea what such set would cost these days. But quite some. A few years
later I could buy a rare Ordensburg-tunic from Vogelsang. It did cost me in
Germany 650.- German marks. A lot of money then and all said I was insane,
but I bought it!! I would not have missed it.

I am not interested in prices for 20 or more years. I am glad I do not collect
uniforms, so I do not have to fear things are fake.

I do buy so now and then photographs. In those days you could buy them for
25 cents. If one asked 2,- one passed, as it was too expensive. Nowadays one
has to pay sometimes an enormous amount for a rare photograph. Bargains
of any kind are rare. I never could afford much money. I never was jealous
to friends that can buy a cap for 3,000,- or 4,000 or more. Or other items that
are even more expensive. They have the money and spend it. Great for them!!

[birkie]

here's what I've found in my less than 2 years of collecting........get to know your local dealers, find out who the key collectors are in your area of the world and share and enjoy the history of the items you own and wish to acquire. I've have worked some very attractive terms on trades with private collectors and have a great relationship with some local dealers who are beyond fair with their pricing.