Couple questions from begginer. Need veterans advice.

[Ylang]

Since I didnt found any off topic setion, I consider discussion to be the most appropriate.

For years I wanted to collect WWII German militaria, but I never made a move to make it happen. The problem is, I dont know where to start. At first glance, everything looks so simple. Here you have a e.g., Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen. At second glance, its not an Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen. Its an Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen, 00/25/50/75/100, then its even worse, when you find out there were many makers of these, and that each Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen is different. At third glance, you came to realized, that you just "researched" 1 badge, just 1, and there are plenty more items ahead of you.

It makes me want to cry, when I look at all these German militaria. Im am so confused. I have been looking for some reference books, but they are either in German, and if not, they still cost a fortune. I found 2 volumes on Kriegsmarine, 1 volume on Das Einserne Kreutz 2. Klasse, 1 volume on Das Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse, 1 volume on The Flak Badges... I guess it could go on. An entire book, about 1 want thing, and how many items are there? Hundreds. I thought there is some kind of "all in one", just the most important stuff, for people like me, or just a list of what was made, somewhere.

Is collecting German militaria, that demanding?

[Gunny Hartmann]

That's why a lot of collectors stick to one area of collecting, belt buckles, medals, helmets etc!..
Welcome to the forum BTW!....

[matthewsq]

Hey Ylang,

First of all, everyone who collects militaria started out as a beginner who knew absolutely nothing about militaria. It seems like you're overthinking things a bit - the best way to get started is, well, to just start.

You've made an excellent step in joining the forum. Here, you can post any questions you have and share any items that you are interested in or seek opinions on. You can read thousands and thousands of posts made by collectors like you. This forum is a better investment than any reference book you can buy.

Start small, don't try to see the big picture of militaria all at once. Even those who have been collecting for 50 years don't know everything.

The forum also has a buy and sell area, which is a safe place to begin buying militaria.

Remember, always post items you want to buy on this forum and seek opinions.


Welcome to the forum, friend!



Quinn

[Stewy S]

Hi there, when I started collecting all I wanted was an EK & a PKA. That soon altered. I went mainly for ISA's once I started studying them. At the time they were better value for money & easier to find. Nowadays prices are not always realistic on a lot of awards in my opinion. If I was starting out now I would definitely decide on one type & stick to it. At least until I got a bit of knowledge under my belt, then branch out. Alternatively, collect awards by a certain maker. My mate specialises in S&L awards. Stewy

[Sarge]

Well, you think you have a problem with way to much info being available - HA!!
When I started this hobby 60+ yrs ago - that's about 1953 - there was NO! info available of any sort from any source. Of course there also was Not any fakes/repros around either! Repros didn't start showing up till the early 60s, fakes later.

As has been suggested, pick a field, such as medals/badges (medals have ribbons u. badges are pin back). Then select a specifik field such as Luftwaffe Badges and study them in detail BEFORE you start buying any!!! There are a wide variety of books on medals available in the past 5 - 10 yrs that you Must bleed for (some cost as much as $100 ea) and study BEFORE you begin buying badges - unless of course you want to buy a bunch of repros at original medal prices that you can Not sell later for more than 20% of what you paid for them!

If you want a list of books I reccomend email me and I will go thru my library - I have over 50 books on WW 2 German militaria, some are wartime German publications - and give you a list of what I suggest you buy.
Sarge

[Stewy S]

Ylang, although some of what Sarge says is correct. If you have a genuine interest that's what these forums are for. Rather than buy books straight away, ask members here. Post a badge that you're thinking of buying & we will endeavour to guide you on its originality. Even better if you join for a small fee, you'll have access to the galleries that list fake & genuine badges. Stewy

[MAP]

Daunting? Absolutely. But just take baby steps and be willing to study hard. As said, start with one type of item. GAB's. EK's. PABs, etc. Read and re-read the threads. Then find one you want. Take good pictures and post them here. Listen to the advice and you will learn quickly.


And NEVER buy before you post at your experience level. EVER.

[Rossi]

Welcome. You are with a great forum and a stellar group of knowledgable people who care about this hobby. Many dedicate hours every week to assisting each other to better one another. Don't be discouraged or nervous. Don't move fast or on impulse. Collecting is like golf. It is muscle memory so start working your mind and muscles.

The process below are 6 R's you can use to grow stronger along with just breathing. You won't find these in any reference books but you will find my brothers in the hobby would most likely over stand what I am talking about.

Review - get item in hand or obtain close up detailed pictures before you buy...analyze it closely

Research - do your homework, study threads here, read books, get your facts, be diligent

Rely - don't go in alone, seek counsel, take wisdom from experts, be humble

Rush - don't be in a hurry, take your time, fools rush in and you will have remorse if you do

Relish - enjoy the process of this hobby and the hunt. Have fun, smile & love it!

Respect - Be grateful to others, gracious and polite, give and contribute...share with people

Repeat...Repeat...Repeat...Repeat...Repeat...Repea t

Rossi

[MAP]

And two other things.

1) Stay away from rare and expensive items (i.e. SS regalia). Where there is big money there are massive amounts of fakes
2) Don't worry about "missing out" on an item (see Rossi's 4th "R" -> Rush). Believe me, there are thousands of items just like the one you are looking at. Be patient and you won't lose money. Rush and you WILL lose money.

And to answer your final question "Is collecting German militaria, that demanding?" Yes it is! But buying the item is not the fun part. Studying, learning and knowing what you are doing is the fun part!

[Chopperman]

Are you collecting as an investment or are you collecting for the pleasure and knowledge it brings?
If the later, then collect the items that you really find interesting and don't worry about what others
think you should collect. You will get much more enjoyment out of it and maybe spend less money.

There are a lot of very smart people that hang out here so if you have any doubts about a piece being
real or fake, post it here before you buy it and let the experts have a look.

Welcome aboard.