Well, I for one am always ready to listen and learn from people who clearly will forget more than I will ever learn about certain fields of collecting, and not just militaria. I once ran a small and insignificant military history site, which was unfortunately destroyed from within, and during that time was always grateful for the advice and general musings of people who were experten in their chosen areas, long time collectors, historians, and most importantly, veterans, for their first hand experience. It was always a bonus as site owner, to have THE POWER
to delete or just ban idiots who engaged in flame wars and other provocative behaviour!
I am now becoming reasonably knowledgeable in WHW and tinnies, thanks mainly to excellent reference books, spending lots of money (much to my childrens annoyance), and interaction with other like minded people, who often have collections that dwarf my own. Even though in all probability the time has passed where I will ever buy a uniform (much as I'd love one of FBs!), or high-end awards, I always enjoy reading posts from people who know how to spot fakes of all kinds. Another collector on another site spent a fair bit of his own time running me through ways to spot fake 1870 EKIIs, for which I will always be grateful, even though I never bought any.
Today I can look at a lot on ebay, and if not spot some clear flaws, at least be wary, something I wouldn't be able to do if not for listening and learning! I also thought at first sight the sleeve eagle looked dodgy, and I know next to nothing about them. It just looked wrong. I got burnt a few times when I started out, but took the advice thankfully, and tried to learn from it, I never argued the point endlessly with people who took the trouble to try and help. I am now happy to say I have been able to help some small collectors with advice on tinnies and WHW items re fakes, prices etc. The circle of life!
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