Thursday, April 10, 2014
Here is the details on one of the cool auctions that sold for more than $2000 in this countdown. ORIGINAL WWII PARATROOPER JACKET AND PANTS...ALSO A PAIR OF LEGGINGS AND WOOL LONG JOHNS...ALL WERE STORED IN AN ARMY FOOT LOCKER...WE HAVE NOT WASHED THESE OR ANYTHING ELSE...(THEY SMELL LIKE OLD CLOTH) THE TAG HAS FADED AND WE CAN'T READ THE EXACT SIZE...THE PANTS ARE ABOUT 32" WAIST BY 30"IN-SEAM...THE JACKET IS ABOUT A SIZE 40 AND IS 25 INCHES FROM COLLAR SEAM TO EDGE OF THE CUFF...THE JACKET HAS A TEAR ON THE BOTTOM THAT WE SHOW IN THE PHOTOS...THE PANTS HAVE WEAR ON THE BOTTOM EDGES...THE MOTHS GOT SOME OF THE LONG JOHNS
ITALIAN DAGGER, ITALIAN KNIFE, MVSN, FASCIST
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Today, I will be reviewing the basics of the World War 1 German/Prussian 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class & 2nd Class, (Eisernes Kreuz 1 - Eisernes Kreuz 2). These medals are highly desired by all collectors, and they are very affordable for a near 100 year old antique! Iron Crosses are beautifully constructed from 2 silver or silver/alloy frames with a center core made of Iron for Heer (Army) Crosses, and Brass for Kriegsmarine (Navy) Crosses. Contrary to what some un-informed sellers say, all genuine Iron Crosses from 1813-1957 were made with 3 piece construction and never from solid 1 piece construction. All others are to be considered commemorative, reproductions, or fake. The Iron Cross has been officially instituted 5 times: 1813 - 1870 - 1914 - 1939 - 1957, I will cover the remaining years in later installments.
AVERAGE PRICE:
EK1 unmarked: $100-$175
EK1 maker marker/silver mark: $175.00-$300.00
Premium Rare Cross: (Screw-back, Vaulted, cased): $300-$500
EK2 unmarked: $50-$70
EK2 maker marker/silver mark: $60.00-$100.00
Premium Rare Mint Cross: (Rare maker, cased): $100.00-$200.00
MARKINGS:
Crown: Prussian Crown.
1914: Instituted for World War 1.
FW: King Frederick William III.
Oak-leaves: Prussia/Germany National Tree Oak.
W: kaisers Wilhelm II.
WW1 EK1 MANUFACTURES CODES
WW1 EK2 MANUFACTURES CODES
FURTHER READING
Authentic 1914 Eisernes Kreuz 1 (EK1):
Notice the slight seams on the outside rim where the frames come together, near all EK1's will have at least 1 frame side where you can locate a seam. You can see the separation gap between the center core and the frames, this gap varies by manufacturer. Some cores are tight in the frames and other cores are loose in the frames, by holding onto just the frame you can shake it and hear the core rattle within the frames. EK1's came in several versions and variations including the most common pin-back and screw-back. You will often find a manufacturers mark stamped on the reverse side of the medal, on the pin-back, screw-back, or the back of the medal itself in various areas.
Authentic 1914 Eisernes Kreuz 2 (EK2):
Again with a EK2 you will notice the seams on the outside rim of the frames, and the gaps between the core and frames. This EK2 differs from the EK1 by having a second side with the date 1813 representing the medals 1st institution date and being suspended by a ribbon. You will most likely find the manufactures mark stamped on the ribbon ring, or the suspension ring (the latter being more rare).
(REPRODUCTION) OLD FAKE 1 PIECE CONSTRUCTION EK1
(REPRODUCTION) OLD FAKE 1 PIECE CONSTRUCTION EK2
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Ymca Victory Liberty Loan Bond Posters is a really neat World War II item. This poster is a representation of the Second Liberty Bond between the people of United States and the government. The liberty bond is the investment any American can contribute for the freedom of the United States during the times of conflict dating back to the early 20th century. It is a war bond that supported the men who were fighting for victory in the war and at the same time a symbol of financial security among the citizens. The loan offered a four percent interest which was redeemable for ten years. Subscribing to the war bond is a sign of patriotism.
Another item which is also of great value is the US WWII M1 Helmet - Original Medic Helmet! It is a one of the historical relics which is very difficult to be found nowadays. This medic helmet is approximately thirty years in age. It is one hundred percent original and untouched battle field relic. This historical piece has been found in Arlon, a Walloon Municipality under the Province of Luxembourg, in the country of Belgium. The M1 fixed bails steel helmet contains the desirable Geneva symbols of the US Medical Corps. It also has a symbol of Red Cross in uncommon white square. Another extraordinary feature of the said helmet is the chinstraps stitching that had been cut. It contained a liner which is sea man paper mid war production with only on laundry. No wonder this item got the highest bids in the list!
One more memorabilia of the World War II Hot Items that is difficult to find are the ones used with Navy Seals. The whole kit contains items which are very rare yet, in excellent condition. The kit has an MLCS deployment bag, Rhodesian Reconnaissance Vest, H-Gear, and Plate Carrier Vest with black buckles, M9 Double Mag Pouch, M9 Double Mag Pouch with inserted kyndex, Butt pack - Black Buckles, Medical Kit Pouch, Gas Mask Container, Utility Pouch, High Ride Holster SIG, Admin Pouch, MAP Pouch, and a small backpack. It also contains two pieces of M4 Single Mag Pouch, M4 Triple Mag Pouch,M9 Single Mag Pouch, M9 Single Mag Pouch with inserted kyndex, Double Frag Grenade Pouch with Black Buckles, Double 40mm Grenade Pouch, Triple 40mm Grenade Pouch, Saw (M249) Ammo Pouch, Shoulder Pad. It has three pieces of M4 Double Mag Pouch, Pop Flare Pouch - Black Buckles, a rare MBITR Radio Pouch with black buckles. It also has four pieces of1 Quart Canteen Pouch, Single Frag Grenade Pouch - Black Buckles, M60 Ammunition Pouch - Black Buckles, and M14/SR25 Double Mag Pouch.
Be sure to check out the rest of the featured items below.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
By following some of the click - through stats on the Hot Finds Newsletter I know that there are many readers who are interested in items from the Germany subcat. If you need proof that these are some of the best selling recent items then I'll direct you to look at the number of bids that some of these got.
ITALIAN DAGGER, ITALIAN KNIFE, MVSN, FASCIST
