{Just a little indulgent reminiscence...}   Some of my previous mail ~ order sources, long since "gone with the wind"...  I did lots of business with these guys, and they basically got me started way back in the early 1980s.  They were the best of the best!   ☆Ron Gordon at San Juan Precious Metals in Jacksonville, Florida.☆   "OBITUARY Ronald Frederick Gordon JUNE 26, 1952 – FEBRUARY 18, 2018 Obituary of Ronald Frederick Gordon IN THE CARE OF Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery Ronald (Ron) Frederick Gordon, 65, of Jacksonville, was called home to be with our Lord on February 18, 2018 following a brief illness. He was born June 26, 1952 in Weymouth, Massachusetts, the son of Frederick and Lorraine Gordon.   Mr. Gordon was a prominent figure in the Jacksonville community, the owner and founder of San Juan Precious Metals, opened in 1981, he was known and loved by many who frequented his business and built lifelong friendships through his generosity and mentoring.   He leaves behind his beloved children, son Jason Allen; daughter Jessica (John) Sheats, daughter Jennifer (Mike) Castillo; and a son Josh Gordon. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Austin, Calvin, Merissa, Emma, Jaylynn ,Laylonni, Landon and Carson; a brother, Jeff Gordon; and a treasured friend Melissa Echegoyen.   Funeral services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family."     Source:   https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jacksonville-fl/ronald-gordon-7766253   ☆Peter Hlinka, at Post Office Box 310, New York, New York 10028.  Born on 1929, he's still alive at 95, but retired, I'm sure.☆     Source:   https://www.ebay.com/itm/165435230456  

Definitely worth a read, and available new for less than $25USD.  A fresh, new, academic, scholarly, unique perspective that challenges previously accepted assumptions and {back then} limited research. Comprehensive and contextual.   Source:   https://books.google.com/books?id=t8_mjeZjmbQC&pg=PA1&source=kp_read_button&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&gboemv=1&ovdme=1#v=onepage&q&f=false  

Yes, I agree with Preppy.  Definitely get the Brian L. Davis book German Army Uniforms and Insignia 1933-1945.  I also couldn't put that book down when I got it.   Steve 

Nice used copies on EBay.

Likely the aircrew badges.  NCOs/other ranks are what's most commonly found, and the officers/bullion versions so super extra pricey they can get unaffordable.

A private who’s wearing an early Heer infantry uniform ( notice the early white eagle)from the 21st Regiment. You should buy Brian L. Davis’ book on German Army uniforms, that way you can teach yourself how to ID these uniforms. This in turn will help you to not forget. I remember getting his book when it first came out. I spent hours looking through it and figuring out what uniforms I liked and wanted.

Dont know nothing about this guy

More helmet photos. Add some swastikas and it would be like old times. Air Force dagger presentation. 

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..