Yep, I'm w Mr. Jerry. Not a fan.

Would appreciate any help on identifying this piece,  thanks, Ken 

For me this is a reproduction. The mushy details and the fact that the SS never used the runes in a diamond marking.

The Medal set of Dutch Major-General Nico Tack. He received a Silver Star Medal and a Bronze Star Medal for his service in Korea 1950-1951. Later in the sixties he was Dutch Defence Attaché in Washington for which he received a Legion of Merit.

Hi Everyone   I was wondering is someone can identify this item: Imperial GERMAN WWI Prussian Kaiser Wilhelm&Friedrich III Patriotic Silver bowl - is this item an Military award, made of sterling silver from period 1915-1917 or later production. Diameter 140mm. weight: 150g. I appreciate any answers. Thank you in advance  Some pics I post below  

Hello  I was wondering if someone can help me to identify a German WW2 - Knight Cross Oak Leaves in silver 800, if it original one from WW2 or a later copy. Size is 20x25mm. weight: 7.7g. Marked on back side: 800 and L21. I appreciate any answers. Thank you in advance and good luck  

James,   Thank you for sharing that with us here. The hard lessons we learned along the way have made me at least pay more attention to the details and history of each item. And you said it... Research, research, research... Knowledge is power..   Best   Leigh 

Hi all, I recently acquired what appears to be a Schwedt Dragoner (Kavallerie) visor cap, and I’d really appreciate any help in determining its authenticity and historical context. A knowledgeable collector on Facebook offered the following insight, and also suggested I post here for further opinions: "Looks like one of the very late war production Erel caps, probably made in late 1944 or early 1945 for the reformed cavalry units. Army cavalry units were disbanded in late 1941, with some personnel transferred to form the cadre of the 24th Panzer Division. The rank & file were converted to reconnaissance units. In 1944, three more cavalry (recon) regiments were expanded into divisions & formally authorised in 1945. These were largely nominal units and mostly existed only on paper. This cap looks to be one of those contracts and was probably never issued. It has all the hallmarks of late-war 'last-ditch' production: poorer quality materials, a pressed paper visor, 'fat' piping, and an NCO-grade interior compared to earlier officer caps. Most have aluminum wire embroidered insignia, as stamped alloy was in short supply. A nice unissued example and a good addition to any collection." Please note: the lighting in the photos may appear warmer than in person due to them being taken under an orange sunshade. Thank you in advance!  

Hey Leigh,   This all reminds me of what I thought was my first legit TR purchase, in Germany of all places, back in 1990. I ran across an antique store with some WW1 items in the window so I thought I would pop in and see if there was anything from WW2. The owner was hesitant at first, then invited me back to a room which was full of TR uniforms, helmets, the works, it was insane. I was there with my wife and kids on a strict budget so the only thing I could afford was what he described as an HJ pocket knife for $70, which back then was a lot, at least to me. I was stoked until I discovered a couple of years later it was a common fantasy piece. I learned a good lesson, research, research and research. On a positive note, my younger son loves it and views it as a souvenir from our trip and to him, a funny moment at that    Thanks, James

jmd62,    Appreciate the feedback.   As a collector from the "old days" I lost money on items that were thought to be original and quite convincing but as I have learned (the hard way) with very little mentorship from collectors who saw a young gullible kid and took advantage of that naiveness, many of these fantasy items were just that, fantasy. It was a time when I trusted the words of dealers but learned a hard lesson from not knowing what I was getting into without references and research.... It wasn't until later in my collecting that I found a very trusted mentor who educated me and provided me with insight and knowledge... with that said, I put my resentment aside and If I can pass some knowledge and information down to the next generation before they waste their money then I have accomplished something.   Best regards   Leigh     

In short, the upper side is the name tag for schoolchildren and the lower side is the certificate of receipt of the cargo.   This person received this form from the carrier when he sent his trunk to an estimated relative in 1945.

Very well written, excellent information and insight Leigh!