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Puchased at a Flohmarkt in September 2009 for 1 Euro. A miniature U-Boot Kriegsabzeichen on iron cross ribbon mounted as a Feldspange. Post-war 1957 version. At an interesting Antiques Market (indoor) this morning, there weren't too many dealers as the weather was too good, people are enjoying the sun. There must be a general price cut somewhere, or interest has receeded, everything seemed to be going for 2 Euros today! I had ten euros with me, as I didn't plan to make any big buys, as been spending enough lately, need to re-generate. Ended up buying more than usual, there was a stand with interesting old postcards, so I thought, here is the opportunity, what do I look for? I thought I'd try "K" for Königsberg, as I had seen a few lately in the net, and its something that has died out. Two of these cards are of the "Blutgericht", which was also of special interest to me, that is where Walter and Liesel Neusüß were photographed in early 1942 (see resp. article). So there were three nice cards of Königsberg, so I got these for 6 euros, ok. There were also other bits and pieces, such as navy buttons, all sorts, etc., and also one Reichskokarde of WW2 vintage but as good as mint, so I got it for 2 euros. Looking on further, there was another dealer selling everything for 2 euros - and there was a gigantic book, which is very familiar, but I never owned - it is terribly heavy and would almost break up under its own weight - HINDENBURG DENKMAL Für Das Deutsche Volk, which was published around 1924. It was all complete, reasonably good order, the spine slighly frayed and opening, which can be easily repaired. Contains many black and white and colour plates. A well known historical volume dedicated to World War I and sponsored by Reichspräsident von Hindenburg. I can remember many years ago this book would have cost a fortune in DM. I believe it was also very expensive originally, when published in 1924, and today at a throwaway price.

It's a shame, we used to have lots of veterans who would visit the shop, but now they are practically all gone , we still get the odd soldier in to get their medals mounted but they are very few and far between now. John Aitken was in last month you can see the medals we mounted for him in this picture. He is on the right hand side.

I remember the military miniatures of "TRADITION" in London Picadilly in the late sixties and seventies, very expensive and beautifully done, Stadden figures, amongst others. There was also some very excellent and pricy militaria. Run by Berlin born Roy Belmont-Maitland, long since gone, The shop later moved to Shepherds Market in Mayfair, the business finally closed in 2012. He also produced a militaria magazine of the same title. He had originally started collecting pickelhauben during his early years in Germany. Adrain Foreman took over the premises in Picadilly. Little information remaining today. Roy Belmont-Maitland (left) at his later premises at Shepherds Market, Mayfair Roy Belmont-Maitland of "Tradition"

Eckhardt's daughter lives in France, she was seriously ill several years ago, but recovered from a major operation. She owns a large cottage in the south of France and produces most of her own foodstuffs. She also accomodates tourists. There are grandchildren and also great-grandchildren. One granddaughter is living in Ireland, and Eckhadt's son-in-law was from England. Marina travelled extensively to India and Afghanistan in younger years, she speaks fluent French as well as German as her native language and is also still learning English. She is a vegetarian and very self-sufficient.