I was wondering how much WWI pickelhaubes and iron crosses cost and where to find them.
I was wondering how much WWI pickelhaubes and iron crosses cost and where to find them.
Unless you have a vendor that specifies in Imperial German next to your house you probably won't see any of that at your average flea market or antique shop (possible but unlikely). The two places you will definitely find them is on the internet (use at own risk) or a bigger military fairs and shows.
What a question.
It all depends on date, style and condition.
Imperial iron crosses can range from $30 to $8000-$9000
depending on the cross. Pickelhaubes can go from $200
to north of $40,000. It all depends on what you want.
gregM
Live to ride -- Ride to live
I was addicted to the "Hokey-Pokey" but I've turned
myself around.
This forum has several dealers who help sponsor it.
They can be found at the very bottom of each page.
They would be a great place to start.
ebay can be a great place to find pieces. Most of my
collection came off ebay.
However--fakes abound. I would suggest posting anything
you find in the appropriate forum before you buy to get an
opinion from someone with more experience.
I would really suggest going to one of the many military shows.
I don't know where you are from but I am sure there would be
a show somewhere near you. There is nothing like being able to
actually see and hold the real thing. It gives a perspective that
you just can't find on the internet.
Just my long winded 2 cents worth.
gregM
Live to ride -- Ride to live
I was addicted to the "Hokey-Pokey" but I've turned
myself around.
Iron Cross 2nd Class tends to cost approximately 45€ ($60) for a good, standard cross.
Some more worn pieces might be cheaper, some sought-after crosses (typically CD 800) might get more expensive.
Iron Cross 1st Class typically costs from 130€ ($175) to 200€ ($275) depending on the condition and maker.
But very rare variants can cost significantly more, even in four digit figures.
The above mentioned reflects dealers' prices. Buying directly from other collectors (e.g. via Ebay) is more financially favorable, but as Chopperman mentions, be aware of fakes. Luckily enough, the 1914 Crosses are not faked so often and so well compared with the WW2 crosses.
As with anything, prices of military headdress and medals is entirely dependant on condition. It is still possible to pick up reasonably good leather Pickelhauben for around the £400 mark, but fakes are abundant and getting better all the time. Iron Crosses (2nd class) are still relatively cheap unless you go for one of the scarcer makers. rather than eBay I would suggest one of the many militaria dealers who advertise their wares on the web. But nothing can beat actually holding the item and giving it a good examination before purchase. It isn't wise to rely solely on photographs when making a purchase unless you have some kind of cast-iron guarantee.
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