Poll - Best Investments in Third Reich (WW2) Badges

[Luther]

Hello All,

Let's take a vote on which badges (abzeichen) represent the best investment. By best investment I mean their potential to either hold their value or increase in value.

Let's assume we're considering "high-end" pieces. For example, a 1939 EK 1 in its original case plus its original outter cardboard box. Absolutely mint.

It's very difficult to make a comprehensive poll so I've included those which seem to be the most popular.

PICK YOUR TOP (3) CHOICES!

Best Regards

[darrenj40]

nice program, it must have taken you a few hours work,
well done.

[Zeller]

I voted for SS insignia. When they are gone they are gone.
You have forgot the BKA, which would have fit well in the list

[Luther]

Hello All,

Yes, I forgot to include DAK in the poll.

[Zeller]

Hi

BKA = BandenKampfAbzeichen

[Luther]

Eeeks...My Bad!

You know, I've never seen one that I was 100% confident that it was real. To me, it's the scariest Third Reich award - even more so than the likes of Coburg, RK, etc. that have been faked to death.

I wonder how much the spectre of fakes impedes the investment potential of militaria? I think with some badges, e.g. Coburg, prices are high, but not as high as they could be, because people are too skittish to pluck down 4 figures on a highly faked item.

Just a thought...

[John Brandon]

Original Blood orders can only increase in value

If you can find a real one that is

[Luther]

Hello All,

I'm in no way surprised by the SS and Fallschirmjager items, being that these areas remain as popular as ever with seemingly never-ending demand.

However, I am surprised by the relatively poor ranking thus far of the Eisernz Kreuz and Wound Badges. At least in my experience, really nice examples get snatched-up before the ink is dry - especially the gold wound badge and 1936 - 1939 versions.

I'm also surprised that no one mentioned/voted for DLV/NSFK items/badges. They are scarce, if not rare, and always seem to sell quickly. I think there is high demand by serious collectors of this area.

[Luther]

Hello All,

So far the results of this poll confirm my observations...that Fallschirmjager militaria is as popular as SS related items.

Can anyone chime in on this result and give their opinions as to why the paratrooper area remains so highly collectible? I remember when this was not the case. However, even then - about 30 years ago - SS was still king amongst collectors. Although Afrika Korps was much more popular then, than Fallschirmjager. The big item back then was helmets and Coca Cola bottle openers used by DAK personnel.

Best Regards

[Luther]

SS and Fallschirmjager - the two categories with the most copies, fakes and reproductions.

I won't purchase a Fallschirmjager badge unless it comes from someone like Ade. That, I think, is one's best protection against getting burnt.

There are extremely deceptive FJ badges coming out of Latvia. The initial casting is of very high quality and then they've got the "aging" down to a science. Shame, for shame...

Who knows what the ratio is, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's 50% or higher - fakes-to-genuine on the market.