Hi everyone, Just wanted to introduce myself as a new member. I’ve been collecting militaria for a few years now, with a particular interest in historical firearms, edged weapons, and field gear. I’m always eager to learn more about the background and stories behind the pieces, and I really enjoy hearing from others who share the same passion. Looking forward to participating in the discussions, sharing a few items from my collection, and learning from the wealth of knowledge on this forum. Thanks for having me aboard!

Yesterday was Luftwaffe helmet day at the flea market.

For "stratasfan"...   I've included some images and sources...    Yes, this is the book on Allied Victory Medals, however, from what I briefly saw, it is WAY TOO SUPER ~ EXTRA overpriced.  Dude, it's not rare.  It's not some privately printed tome from a vanity press with a production of less than 500.  I have no idea why these going concerns want so much money for it.    As for me, I got mine from "Pieces of History" a couple of decades ago when it was $25USD postpaid.  I guess that's when there was no interest and no demand.  Sort of reminds you of those classic, legendary "Bender books".  I remember when they were reasonably priced and widely available.  It's not like it was half a century ago.  It wasn't.   They're out there.  Don't spend too much...   Sources:   https://www.ebay.com/itm/356778811918   https://www.amazon.com/Interallied-Victory-Medals-World-War/dp/0961732016   https://www.subchaser.org/laslo-interallied-victory-medals   https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-inter-allied-victory-medals-of-world-war-1---2nd-revised-edition_alexander-j-laslo/14165616/?srsltid=AfmBOoplq-LC3D7JWyLW72wcx5aUaBYFAgbzHhRRI5aqfCOVTzOnrkEo#edition=60217064&idiq=48146399   Check this one out, just out of curiosity...   https://www.etsy.com/listing/1177962787/reproduction-ww1-16-inter-allied-country  

Yeah it does look like the rubber tube part for a VC sandal. I think my plan is to use dark green duct tape or reproduction vc style sandal tube. Option 1 If I use duct tape my reasoning will be: some NVA/VC guy captured a roll of us dark green duct tape and used it for his mags. Not sure if that's historically correct but if that's the only option i got. Might as well have fun with it and make a story out of it. Or I guess I could reverse it and say a navy seal or macv guy captured an ak and used green duct tape he had on hand. I got a Chinese ak47 rubber duck and I want to attach a real ak mag using the "jungle style" method for looks when displayed on my wall. Or option 2 I could buy a reproduction sandal rubber tube. If I do the duct tape method, to keep it from ruining the rubber duck and the ak mag. I'll use electric tape first then go over the electrical tape with a layer of the dark green duct tape to prevent the sticky residue from ruining duck and the mag.  The first photo looks like he used electrical tape but it's hard to tell. I'm not even sure if electrical tape was even available for the VC/NVA army at that time without capturing a roll off an American.

This is an outstanding reference for the statistics ~ minded... Loads of bar graphs, pie charts, etc.  Well ~ researched and presented.   Product information Publisher: Penguin Publication date: July 1, 1997 Language: ‎English Print length: 144 pages ISBN-10 0140513302 ISBN-13 978-0140513301 Item Weight: ‎14.4 ounces Dimensions: 7.1 x 0.39 x 9.62 inches   Sources:   https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-penguin-historical-atlas-of-the-third-reich-hist-atlas_richard-overy/479635/?srsltid=AfmBOooPnAZ8HSaIVaSg71lGf7GYxIe0NVVUSJZnmdtK9AQvLXNngcP1#edition=2289744&idiq=12232225   https://openlibrary.org/books/OL7356094M/The_Penguin_Historical_Atlas_of_the_Third_Reich_(Hist_Atlas)  

It's been quite some time since I last posted in this thread. I suppose the title should now be 25 Years of Japanese helmets. Since my last post I have found several more and have good leads on a couple more. This one apparently was found at a house clean out by a friend of a friend. My friend got it from the first guy and then gave it to me for all the help I've given him over the years. It's a pretty standard type 90 showing age and some abuse, but it does have a nice cover with it.  Cover is a nice 1st pattern without the reinforcing band. This cover is a good example where the cover has torn out around the rim thus necessitating the reinforcement on the 2nd model. I've only found a few with covers so this fits nicely. Best ABN

They usually tied it with cord or fabric rather than using adhesive tape.    RVN Tan Son Nhut These weapons, rocket rounds, mortar rounds, ammo, grenades, and rocket launchers were captured by ARVN airborne soldiers during a sweep of the battle area surrounding the Old French Cemetery. 7 May 1968 Photo by: SP5 J.F. Fitzpatrick Jr. Pictorial A.V. Plt. 69th Sig. Bn. (A)   Photo by a soldier of A Troop/4th Squadron-12th Cav/1st Brigade/5th Infantry Division (Mechanized)    Quang Tri Citadel 1972   3rd Battalion 66B Regiment, 304B Division, Saigon 30 April 1975. Photo by Catherine Leroy    Saigon 30 April 1975 These I believe may be strips of rubber inner tube like those used as sandal straps. 

Yes, the Barracked Police (light green collar tabs and shoulder boards) could wear the marksmanship lanyard but the regular police (dark green insignia) could not.     Early Grenzpolizei / Grenztruppen could also wear the marksmanship lanyard, along with collar Tresse as shown below.    

A nice example.  

Gents, I have been looking to find out something about this gentleman but no luck.  I can't find a name in the jacket.  There can't be that many General Officers with the Military Cross?  I am hoping someone could give be a little more information or tell me where to look.  I am assuming that it World War 2. Thanks in advance. LW

Frau Major Alexandra Schütz-Knospe and the Heeresmusikkorps Neubrandenburg in Berlin 2012 doing their thing, lots of Facing Movements Marching Evolutions  and all that  Good Stuff.      

Original decals are flush.  Look closely at both decals and a barely noticeable clear border/flange can be seen.  This is common among reproduction decals.  The helmet has been re ~ painted from its original color.  The black paint is not original to the helmet.  Again, the leather liner and chin straps are awesome. I wonder if it's from a movie costume department.  May have been used in some film or television prodoction decades ago.   Below are some pictures of an un ~ adulterated helmet I own that's got an SE66 stamp.  The batch number indicates this was a polizei helmet.  Hope these pictures are useful as a rough reference.     Here's another helmet I "restored" sonetime 1992 ~ 1993. The helmet cover is made from the remnants of an original Heer zeltbahn, the paint is black outdoor grill paint, and the liner is real sheepskin, made by George Birringer.  The liner suspension ring has a 1940 date.