Gents,   I picked up a very scarce Thuringer Mounted Police sword at the Oklahoma City Military Show last weekend that I thought I would show.  This is a rather common style of mounted officer sword and was made by WK&C as their "Thuringer Polizei-Sabel fur Berittene".  It is shown as their WKC catalog Nr. 291 alongside several other Thuringer Polizei swords.  My new WK&C polished (Glatter) sword has the state Wappen of a bear nicely hand engraved into the obverse langet.  The long blade is also plated with a foliate etching on both sides, and spine, of the blade.     These police swords are quite scarce and largely go unrecognized by collectors.       

Another interesting bit from our beer drinkers is that the fellow wearing the white shirt is also wearing one of the short lived WWII style helmets.  These were considered as looking too much like the M1936 style helmets so they were quickly taken out of service by the VP.  Very rare collectible nowadays.     I also think the period colorized black & white photo is interesting.   A better photo of the helmets.       

The last picture shows what it looked like ..while the 2nd picture shows what the HM looks like on my mess kit.

Very nice and I agree, some of these types of items have definitely dropped a bit. Unfortunately, others have gone quite a bit the other way.. 

My shameless sales pitch for my favorite M43 field cap.  I got mine several years ago, although I'm not a re-enactor, and wear it during the autumn and winter months.  Strangely, I always get compliments on it.  Best cold weather winter headgear I've ever owned.  Mine is pictured.     Sources:   https://hessenantique.com/m43-field-cap-in-field-grey-wool/   https://hessenantique.com/wh-m43-field-cap-in-late-war-wool/  

Are you sure the cows were only interested in grazing? One of them may be a militaria collector.    And yes, that frog looks to be in incredible condition.  mikie

Latest acquisition...    $35USD plus $5USD postage.  Three days one way from the seller to me.  Surprisingly, I've noticed retail prices on these Luftwaffe trade badges have been noticeably declining the past few years.  

Further Resources:   https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/nationale-volksarmee/east-german-daggers-insignia-collectables-362996-4/   https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corps_colours_(NPA)   https://www.onvauc.org/waffenfarben-ddr  

Couple more young troops. 

The Manufacturer hallmark is…..M.M.VCR dated 1939

Hi Folks:  Recently picked up this 1939 dated French mess kit and I’d like to identify the manufacturer.  What manufacturer is this hallmark?  Thank you,

I picked up another example of this Colonial sword at the Oklahoma City Military show over the weekend.  My new sword has a few slight differences to my early sword shown above.     My new sword has the same double fullered plated IOD style blade but without a maker mark.  The scabbard is the earlier style that is nickel plated with two suspension rings which indicates wear prior to circa 1909 or thereabouts.  The brass hilt is more or less the same with the  large Imperial eagle facing to its left.  The pommel does not have an Imperial crown and was made without one unlike the one shown above.  The grip is sharkskin instead of celluloid.  This sharkskin grip has the more angular crown of the Emperor along with the W II cypher.     I was happy to find this sword as they are very scarce items.