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Here is a Bulgarian M36 Helmet, type C, which was the last version to be produced. Initially these helmets were made abroad, but machinery was moved to Bulgaria to allow for domestic production. The type C was introduced in 1939 and is the most numerous of the various models. The helmet is somewhat similar to the German helmets, but smaller, lighter, and a shorter brim. This particular helmet at a size 54, with the original liner, but missing the chinstrap. I found this at a local estate sale, and it was a cheap pickup.

Pictured from my collection is an optical gunsight for a 3.7 cm anti-aircraft gun (Flak M42) manufactured for the Kriegsmarine. The code for this manufacture is 'dow' (Waffenwerke Brunn A.G. (1943 - Opticotechna Gmbh, Prerau Czech.)). The optic has a wide field of view with a ranging reticle. Even though designed to withstand harsh environments, this optic was made to be removed from the weapon system mounted on an U-boat .

Pictured from my collection is a Kriegsmarine sea mine timer marked dnt M 4598.

Pictured from my kriegsmarine collection is an emblem and a badge used by the Ubootwaffe as tradition cap insignia. The emblem for the National Socialist League of the Reich foe Physical Fitness( left) was worn as an U-Boat cap insignia by the crew of U-274, as was the Edelweiss gap device of the German Army Mountain Troops (right) by the crew of U-124. Examples of the these tradition badges are on page 77, page 81, and page 83 of 'Torpedo Los! THE FASCINATING WORLD OF U-BOAT COLLECTIBLES' by Gordon Williamson. Pictured from my collection is a U-Boat tradition cap insignia 'Swordfish spearing an enemy sip' for the U-441 being worn by its Commander, Klaus Hartmann (white cap). All 51 hands, including Hartmann, died when U-441 was sunk by Allied depth-charges on 30 June 1944.

Picture is a two-piece officer''s visor cover for junior grade from my collection of Kriegsmarine antiques. The cap has a hand-embroidered gilt wire national emblem and, cockade, as well as gold wire piping. This cap belonged to Werner Wendt (1916-1988), Captain of U-765. The U-765 was sunk in the North Atlantic on 6 May 1944 by depth charges on its first war parol. Werner and 10 crewmen survived, 37 dead. Pictured below is the underside view of the visor cap. Pictured below is the two-piece visor cover disassembled. In this configuration, a white or blue cap-covers could be worn. Because I do not like to take this cover apart, I used a photo taken years ago.

Over 4000 views in such a short time, I think this post deserves to be pinned

John, you have an amazing collection, really have enjoyed you sharing your items with us.

From my collection are pictures of my Sold-Libellen KM-2 sextant with its original metal storage box. This sextant was manufactured for the Kriegsmarine by C.Plath. The SOLD KM-2 was developed for navigational use aboard U-boats and S-boats at night and/or in poor weather conditions when horizon not visible. For an in-depth review of this type of sextant, visit the link https://sextantbook.com/2013/11/04/the-sold-km2-bubble-sextant/. A view of KM-2 stored in its metal metal box. Note several accessories from the storage box are missing, but the original inventory label is present on inside of one of the two lids (not pictured). Top of metal storage box with access secured with side latches. The handle sides of KM-2 Sextant were the identification plate was once mounted but removed. View of the dial side of KM-2 sextant. The plate on dial is marked J.B., indiscernible mark, Geprütt Deutsche Seewarte (German Naval Observatory). Another view of dial side of KM-2 sextant. Topside view KM-2 sexton.

Pictured from my collection is a Kriegsmarine navigation square marked Dennert & Pape Hamburg-Altona (maker). A square like this one is pictured on page 441 in the book 'Deutsche Kriegsmarine Uniforms, Insignias and Equipment of the German Navy 1933-1945' by Eduardo Delgado.

Dear Gentlemen, Thank You for advising, Here is my first acquisition for the NSDAP Party Pin m1/164 RZM Marker, (Buttonhole), Check out the photos . I have put it through under the loupe so you guys can have a better look, for example, in the A & O alphabet you may find holes in it, not sure why is there a hole . Enjoy!!

A small grouping from a WW1 German doctor who I believe died several years after the war from the effects of the campaign

Hi, I recently found 4 of these brass Lewis gun barrel jacks at an old British weapons depot. They are an armourers tool for removing the cooling fans from the barrel. Seem to be extremely rare as I can’t find any other examples online. Does anyone know what they might be worth ? Thanks

I’ve been looking for a nice example of the eastern front medal for a while now what are your thoughts on this one ?

Here's front and rear of my own nice Ostfront medal

Hi John333, It took me a long time to find a DECENT Ostfront medal. My advice would be to go for the shown medal if the price is reasonable to you as it is quite a nice example. Especially as it has a makers mark on the suspension ring. You can always keep looking for a better conditioned one and upgrade at a later date. So, if you don't have one yet, go for this one with an eye to upgrade at some point in the future. REALLY GOOD examples of this badge do not come up very often, and when they do they are snapped up quickly!

Is this a good one guys and any ideas on the maker ? Thanks

Fritz: The answer to your question "I assume the buttons on the leather crew jacket are probably of gilded glass? " is "No." All the buttons on the black leather jacket in my collection are of two-piece metal construction with a fouled anchor gilt front and the backs are marked BESONDERS HALTBAR 'Particularly Durable' with makers symbol. A black leather jacket like mine with gilt fouled anchor buttons can be seen below on page 263 of Volume 2, Die Kriegsmarine Uniforms and Traditions by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht. Pictured below is the back of a two-piece metal fouled anchor button on my black leather jacket. Note that various manufactured produced buttons that were used in making black leather jackets for the Kriegsmarine. Along with my black leather jacket having metal gilt buttons pictured below, note that this jacket has the Kriegsmarine ordnance mark (Eagle over M) between two fouled anchor buttons. The Kriegsmarine proof mark like the one on my jacket is pictured below on page 265 of Volume 2, Die Kriegsmarine Uniforms and Traditions by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht. The collar of the neck was closed up by a metal clasp like the one below on my jacket. Note the front corner of the low standing collar are rounded and the button holes are reenforced with a narrow leather trim. Pictured is the interior of my jacket, which is lined with wool. Also I have enclosed a picture of the back of this jacket. For further information I havedenclosed page 288 of Deutche Kriegsmarine Uniforms, Insignia and Equipment of the German Navy 1933-1945 by Eduardo Delgado.

Hi Eddie, I'm afraid the serial number is just a batch number so would not identify the U boat. Sometimes you will find the letter N which would identify them as belonging to the German Navy North Sea Fleet. Sorry can't help much more. Here is a list of the makers codes but no list of serial numbers as far as I'm aware. b e h ERNST LEITZ. WETZLAR GERMANY b e k HENSOLDT WERK FUR OPTIK UND MECHANIK HERBORN GERMANY b l c CARL ZEISS, MILITARABTEILUNG JENA JENA GERMANY b m h JIRASEK (not in Walter) PRAGUE CZECH b m j M. HENSOLDT & SOHNE, A.G. WETZLAR GERMANY b m t C. A. STEINHEIL SOHNE, GmbH MUNICH GERMANY b p d C. P. GOERZ, GmbH VIENNA AUSTRIA b v f C. REICHERT VIENNA AUSTRIA b y g JOH. WYKSEN, K.G. KATTOWITZ POLAND b z z I.G.-FARBENINDUSTRIE, CAMERAWERK MUNICH GERMANY c a d KARL KAHLES (telescopic sights) VIENNA AUSTRIA c a g D. SWAROVSKI WATTENS/TIROL AUSTRIA c a u KODAK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, DR. NAGEL WERK STUTTGART GERMANY c c x OPTISCHE UND FEINMECHANISCHE WERKE, HUGO MEYER & CO. GOERLITZ GERMANY c l b DR. F. A. WOHLER KASSEL GERMANY c l n ED. SPRENGER BERLIN GERMANY c r h FRANZ SCHMIDT & HAENSCH BERLIN GERMANY c r n HANSEATISCHE WERKSTATTEN FUR FEINMECHANIK UND OPTIK, FRIEDRICHS & Co. HAMBURG GERMANY c r o R. FUESS, formerly J. G. GREINER & GEISSLER BERLIN GERMANY c x n EMIL BUSCH, A.G. RATHENOW GERMANY d d v OCULUS (optometrist equipment, possibly gunsights) BERLIN GERMANY d d x VOIGTLAENDER & SOHN, A.G. BRAUNSCHWEIG GERMANY d k l JOSEF SCHNEIDER KREUZNACH GERMANY d o q DEUTSCHE SPIEGELGLAS A.G. (telescopes, lenses) LEINE GERMANY d o w WAFFENWERKE BRUNN A.G. (1943-OPTICOTECHNA GmbH) PRERAU CZECH. d p g ADOX KAMERAWERK GmbH (cameras) WIESBADEN GERMANY d p v ZEISS IKON A.G. DRESDEN GERMANY d p w ZEISS IKON A.G. GOERZWERK BERLIN GERMANY d p x ZEISS IKON A.G., CONTESSAWERK STUTTGART GERMANY d y m RUNGE & KAULFUSS RATHENOW GERMANY d y s HEINRICH ZEISS, UNIONZEISS K.G. ('apparently optical' BERLIN GERMANY d z l OPTISCHE ANSTALT OIGEE GmbH BERLIN GERMANY e a f MECHANOPTIK GESELLSCHAFT FUR PRAZISIONSTECHNIK, AUDE & REIPERT BABELSBERG GERMANY e a w R. WINKEL GmbH GOETTINGEN GERMANY e e d KURBI & NIGGELOH (photographic equipment) RADEVORMWALD GERMANY e s o G. RODENSTOCK MUNICH GERMANY e s u STEINHEIL SOHNE GmbH (telescopes & optics) MUNICH GERMANY e u g OPTISCHE PRAZISIONS WERKE GmbH WARSAW POLAND f c o SENDLINGER OPTISCHE GLASWERKE GmbH BERLIN GERMANY f j t PHOTOGRAMMETRIE GmbH (aerial recon. cameras) MUNICH GERMANY f l n FRANZ RAPSCH A.G. (sights, often subcontractor to Busch) RATHENOW GERMANY f v s SPINDLER & HOYER K.G. GOTTINGEN GERMANY f v x BECK & SOHNE KASSEL GERMANY f w r OPTISCHE ANSTALT SAALFELD GmbH SAALFELD GERMANY f x p HANS KOLLMORGEN GmbH BERLIN GERMANY g a g F. MOLLENKOPF STUTTGART GERMANY g k p RUF & Co., formerly CARL SCHUTZ KASSEL GERMANY g u g UNGARNISCHE OPTISCHE WERKE A.G. BUDAPEST HUNGARY g u j WERNER D. KUEHN BERLIN GERMANY g w v ERNST PLANK NURNBERG GERMANY g x l FRANKE & HEIDECKE (photographic equipment) BRAUNSCHWEIG GERMANY g x p HOMRICH & SOHN (photographic equipment) h d v OPTISCHE WERK OSTERODE GmbH OSTERODE GERMANY h f o VALENTIN LINHOF OHG (photographic equipment) MUNICH GERMANY h k m CARL BRAUN KG NURNBERG GERMANY h n a KORELLE WERKE, G.H. BRANDTMANN & Co. (photographic) DRESDEN GERMANY h r w HOH & HAHNE (photographic reproduction equipment) LEIPZIG GERMANY h w t IHAGEE KAMERAWERK, STEENBERGEN & Co. (cameras) DRESDEN GERMANY h x h A. KRUSS HAMBURG GERMANY j f n TETENAL PHOTOWERK, Dr. TRIEPEL, K.G. (photographic equipment) BERLIN GERMANY j f p DR. CARL LEISS BERLIN GERMANY j n h F. TUTEMANN (lens holders & optical equipment) LUDENSCHEID GERMANY j o n VOIGTLANDER-GEVAERT (cameras) BERLIN GERMANY j u x NEDINSCO, NEDERLANDSCHE INSTRUMENTEN, (vehicle & aircraft instruments?) VENLO NETHERLANDS j v e ERNST LUDWIG WEIXDORF GERMANY j x n HELMUT KORTH BERLIN GERMANY k h c OTTO HIMMLER (microscopes, optical equipment) BERLIN GERMANY k l n ERNST & WILHELM BERTRAM (photographic equipment) MUNICH GERMANY k n a DER ROBOT, BERNING & Co., K.G. (photographic equipment) DUSSELDORF GERMANY k q c JOS. SCHNEIDER & Co., K.G. GOETTINGEN GERMANY k r q EMIL BUSCH A.G. (assembled from foreign components) RATHENOW GERMANY k w c GAMMA FEINMECHANISCHE & OPTISCHE WERKE BUDAPEST HUNGARY k x v A. JACKENROLL GmbH BERLIN GERMANY l a e HEINRICH ZEISS, UNION ZEISS K.G. GOSTINGEN l f n REFLEKTA-KAMERAFABRIK, C. RICHTER (cameras) THARANDT GERMANY l m q CARL ZEISS (assembled from foreign components) JENA GERMANY l w g OPTISCHE WERKE OSTERODE GmbH (assembled from foreign components) OSTERODE GERMANY l w w HUET ET CIE PARIS FRANCE l w x OPTIQUE ET PRECISION DE LEVALLOIS, PARIS LEVALLOIS-PERRET FRANCE l w y SOCIETE OPTIQUE ET MECANIQUE DE HAUTE PRECISION PARIS FRANCE m b v I.G. FARBENINDUSTRIE, A.G.; AGFA (cameras) BERLIN GERMANY m c a FOTOWERK, Dr. C. SCHLEUSSNER, GmbH (photographic equipment) FRANKFURT GERMANY m t q PHOTOCHEMISCHE FABRIK ROLAND RISSE GmbH (photographic equipment) FLORSHEIM GERMANY m t r VOIGTLANDER & SOHN, A.G. (cameras) BERLIN GERMANY m t u A. LORENZ (MTU also used for AEG electrical equipment) GUTENFELD m t v A. LORENZ DRESDEN GERMANY n m s RICHARD HOLZ BERLIN GERMANY n x t S.A.I. OTTICO MECCANICA E RILEVAMENTI AEROFOTOGRAMMETRICI (stereoscopic aerial photography equipment) ROME ITALY o c p AKTOPHOT GmbH (photographic equipment) PRAG-SABECHTLITZ o c v W. KLAZAR (precision engineering; reportedly photographic equipment) PRAG o k c HAUFF A.G. (photographic equipment) STUTTGART GERMANY p v f C. REICHERT VIENNA AUSTRIA r l n CARL ZEISS JENA GERMANY A.G. = AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT; JOINT STOCK COMPANY GmbH = GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRANKTER HAFTUNG; LIMITED COMPANY I.G. = INTERRESENGEMEINSCHAFT; UNION OF INTERESTS K.G. = KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT; LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OHG = OFFENE HANDELSGESELLSCHAFT; PRIVATE FIRM (literally, 'open trading company')

Hello all Another new member seeking Historical WWII information. I recently inherited some German WWII memorabilia from a close family friend whose husband just passed away. They emigrated here to Canada in 1980. Their parents and relatives were part of the war effort in Germany during WWII. Her father was in the Luftwaffe and his items are displayed en mass in one photo. Her uncle was in the 5th SS Wiking division and his items are in the second and third photo's. I will be receiving more information and possibly photos when she receives them from her mother who is still alive in Germany. I am not an expert on these types of items however I do have a keen interest in WWII Hx. Any info or referencing to other sources would be hugely appreciated. I am looking to preserve these items in frame along with my families war memorabilia from that era. Thanking you all in advance.

Some of my fathers medals and photo's of him which are either training in Iran or the south of Italy. One of the two.

Now that's a monster of a tank.Thanks for posting. Always been impressed on a visual level by the Char B1 as a young lad into WW2. It was that massive cannon & the fact it had 2 guns that did it for me. Still grabs me now. Photo source Wikipedia

This is a Mk14 bombsight, it’s been refurbished post war though as it has the ferranti gyro fitted to it.

I have decided to display some of my WW1 era Bayonets by using resin made stands that resemble the muzzle of the corresponding rifle. I think it turned out nicely. I am just missing one bayonet now to finish the display, the Mauser Kar98A, which are hard to find and heavily faked.

Here is an image from the US Army Signal Corps Museum, you can see the lamp and battery box on top by the sandbags.

Love your VB Launchers. Here is a display of US Rifle Grenades I did for a collector show in 2018.

First of all , can I say thankyou for the membership . I'm currently writing a book on CONTRACTS OF THE USAAF which will give information on equipment and clothing etc used by the USAAF Just a few random photos of my collection , I will, if allowed post more detailed information and photographs

Pictured from my collection is a stereoscopic range finder manufactured for the Kriegsmarine by Carl Zeiss Jena (blc). This instrument was used to accurately estimate distance to a target calculated through triangulation, based on the length of the range finder. It can be operated with or without battery. The range finder and all its accessories are kept in a grey painted wood storage box, not shown from collection. A range finder like mine is pictured on page 424 and page 425 of 'Deutsche Kriegsmarine Uniforms, Insignias and Equipment of the German Navy 1933-1945' by Eduardo Delgado.

Pictured is a signed limit edition print by Tom Freeman entitled 'Attack at Dawn.' The print depicts the U-132, commanded by Kptlt. Ernst Vogelsang, attacking and sinking one of the five ships from the crew's war patrol of 10 June -16 August 1942. Purchased this print years ago, I finally had it framed and delivered today. This fantastic print will hang in my home's guest room. I apologize for the reflection of the bubble rap.

Given a choice between the two badges I'd purchase the one marked "BOERGER & CO BERLIN S.O 16. GES. GESCH", it's an earlier, pre-RZM party badge and a much rarer badge to find than the later M1/102 marked badge. It's also a personal preference, I like the earlier badges which often had slightly quirkier, chunky type faces on the lettering as opposed to neat, slim typefaces often used post-RZM.

Have just ordered this badge recently, RCAF On the lookout for one of these, and a NZ one Have just seen one like this, will order in due time, Brown Bess Also just viewed. I had several in the past. This one is post-WW2 dated, but identical to the period piece. Strap is not original. Replacement straps can still be found. "Au porte bonheur" as some antique dealers say and to complete my WW1 French uniform, also recently viewed, price moderate. I have had several in the past

This is a pretty rare grouping with two Queen Carola Medals Saxony War Merit Cross, Civil Merit Medal - Knight’s Cross 1st class, Carola Medal in gold, Carola Medal in silver and Prussian Red Cross medal 2nd class. Carola-Medaille was instituted on 17 Sep 1892 by King Albert on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Albert club, whose patron was Queen Carola. The Medal was awarded for charity during the war and in the peacetime. Awarded in three classes: gold, silver and bronze. Totals awarded - first type: 46 gold, 1000 silver and 1000 bronze; second type: 6 gold, 300 silver and 860 bronze. Diameter - first type - 27.9 mm, second type - 27.95 mm.

Hi, I compiled most of the books written on the Baron into a website: www.meettheredbaron.com The site puts events during his lifetime on a timescale, and on a map. Enjoy

Hello friends ! I`m a new at your forum. My name is Michael. I`m from Russia, Kaliningrad city. Before 1945 - Konigsberg, East Prussia (Ostpreussen). I collected german militaria and civil itemes. Here my Fanta bottles and Penzig/ Schlesien glass lid. All was find in my region ! Fanta bottles are 40, 42, 43 and without year. Some quastions : ---------------------------------------------------------------- - Have you seen bottles of 44 and 45 year ? Is it possible? That a bottle without a year is 45 year of produced ? - I once met a bottle where the year is written like this: "1941" in four digits. Which bottles are rarer - with two digits of the year or with four ? Why was that ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Why is the Penzig/ Schlesien glass lid is interest ? Before registering on this forum, I did not pay attention to these lids. After reading the information about it here, I found one for myself. We have a lot of glass from german cities in our city, which are now the territory of Poland. These are mostly beer bottles. No one appreciates this glass in Kaliningrad. Why are these lids interesting ? What mean "GH" and "54" on it ? And please note that on the lid of Moderator Fritz there are three horizontal dots in the center, and I have four. Does that mean anything ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Looking forward to the answers ! THANK YOU VERY MUCH !

Please see this link for the story and some great photos. Talk about history- I just had to repost this. https://www.k98kforum.com/threads/german-captured-1915-mosin-nagant.44190/ A view of a rather rare find, A German capture M91 1915 dated Mosin with the German capture stamp on the stock. How lucky can a person get? Here are three photos from the above source:

Pictured from my collection is a book. This book is a short story of the exploit of the crew and Commander, Otto Schuhart, of U-29 sinking of the Royal Navy's aircraft HMS Courageous on 17 September 1939, 519 soles lost. The HMS Courageous was the first British warship sunk in World War II. Like most German propaganda during the Second World War, this book has excellent cover art. I apologize for the reflection in images. For further information go to the following link to watch a video: https://www.google.com/search?q=sinking+of+hms+courageous&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS992US996&oq=sinking+of+HMS+courageous&aqs=chrome.0.0i512j0i22i30j0i390l4.17950j1j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:c9709f17,vid:nJtYMTCf4JM

Pictured from my collection of Kriegsmarine antiques is a Flotilla pennant marked Floottillenstd 'Flotilla Standard 0.5X0.7 (size in centimeters) in ink on bunting. A pennant like this one is pictured on page 350 in Volume 3, Die Kriegsmarine Uniforms & Traditions by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht.

Excellent collection you have John! Not often do we see items like this in such detail.

Picture from my collection of Kriegsmarine antiques is the front (top) and back (bottom) of a Minesweeper badge manufactured by Schwerin & Sohn. This badge was awarded to crewmen for completing three war operations.

Pictured from my collection is a pair of brown leather gauntlets that belonged to Rudolf Muhlbauer (1919-2000). He served aboard the U-123 and the U-170. During Rudolf's service as a submariner, he was awarded the German Cross in Gold and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Gauntlets like his are pictured on page 332 in Torpedo Los! The Fascinating World of U-Boat Collectibles.

I just can not imaging such a poorly designed magazine in all that mud. WW I Marines threw them away. I love this post and all the historic photos. from an old issue of American Rifleman (2012). An interesting discussion. https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/that-damned-jammed-chauchat/

Some more interesting photos Nr. Name, Dienstgrad bei welcher Einheit Abschüsse bis Kriegsende (x) 1 ? 2 Alfred Gerstenberg, Leutnant Jasta 11 - 3 Otto von Breiten-Landenberg, Leutnant Führer Jasta 11 5 4 Hans Joachim Wolff, Leutnant Jasta 11 10 5 Friedrich Friedrichs, Leutnant Jasta 10 21 6 Erich Just, Leutnant Jasta 11 6 7 Max Kühn, Leutnant Jasta 10 1 8 Siegfried Gussmann, Leutnant Jasta 11 5 9 Scholz Edgar, Leutnant Jasta 11 6 10 Karl Bodenschatz, Oberleutnant Adjutant JG 1 - 11 von Conta, Leutnant Jasta 11 - 12 Erich Löwenhardt, Oberleutnant Führer Jasta 10 54 13 Hans Weiss, Leutnant Jasta 10 16 14 Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen, Rittmeister Führer des Jagdgeschwaders 80 15 Wilhelm Reinhard, Hauptmann Führer Jasta 6 20 16 Paul Wenzel, Leutnant Jasta 6 10 17 Johann Janzen, Leutnant Jasta 6 13 18 Franz Hemer, Leutnant Jasta 6 18 19 Hans Kirschstein, Leutnant Jasta 6 27 20 Robert Tüxen, Leutnant Jasta 6 2 21 Georg Wolff, Leutnant Jasta 6 - 22 Heinz Graf von Gluszewski, Leutnant Jasta 4 2 23 Hermann Bahlmann, Leutnant Jasta 4 1 24 Hans-Georg von der Osten, Leutnant Jasta 4 5 25 Viktor von Pressentin gen von Rautter, Leutnant Jasta 4 15 26 ? 27 ? 28 Heinrich Dreckmann, Leutnant Jasta 4 11 328 Abschüsse ingesamt

Here is a Wehrpass for a Lufty flak guy that is the most detailed I have ever seen! Ive had many Wehrpasses in my time but I’ve never seen one so detailed with regards to his service and also (by the looks of things) this guy saw some service in many famous theatres. I’m going to enjoy researching this one! Looks like he spent time supporting the 1st and 14th Panzer Divisions at various stages. E

the obvious way to see a fake /space filler is that the original ones had cast names standing up wheras the repro's can only be engraved into. the repro specialists would not consider worth casting the name in individually on a one off basis wheras multiple casting blanks is cheaper. although you call them fakes they are being sold by dealers as space fillers while waiting for the original to come up. Collectors know but unsuspecting family members probably will not until they come to sell them. on the BMF, I keep the plaque list updated , currently there are over 3800 requests for missing plaques for collectors.

Mine was about the £260 mark but that was without the separate fold out map. I got the map with the 42 Kalendar that I obtained from the same source. Just as an aside, the fold out maps that come with the 42 and 43 Kalendar (and in this case the 41 booklet) are different although they generally look the same. The 43 map has more coverage to the east than the previous map to include Palestine, Syria and Transjordan. It also leaves out Tunisia.

Yes it still has the map inside and it’s just the front cover that is faded. I don’t really want to sell it though I have no idea what it is worth to be honest

This is my DAK paperwork collection.

This must be almost unique, there were very few pieces with such detailed histories recorded in engraving. If anyting, there is the place and date of the award, or maybe even the name or initials of the recipient. This must be worth thousands. This is a personalised inscription, rare to find, and even rarer with so much detail. The recipient has had this engraved: Hauptmann der Reserve Ernst Weichmann, Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment 52, Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment 208 - M.G.-Offizier beim Regiments-Stab 1914 Belgien, Sempst(?), Mecheln, Antwerpen, Yser, Langemarck 1915 Russland Bulgarien Jaroslav Rawa Rusla Pinsk 1917 Chémin des Dames 5.V.1917 - März 1920 1915 - 1920 Frankreich Verdun, Noyon-Roye Somme Orléans, Montoire, Cholet, Chateauroux in Französ. Gefangenschaft So, as can be seen, he was finally a prisoner of war (in France), he served as a Hauptmann of the Reserve with the staff of the Machine Gun Company of Reserve-Infantry Regiment 52 and Reserve-Infantry-Regiment 208 on several fronts. He was a prisoner of war till March 1920. This is a very rare find indeed. If there is no paperwork to go with this decoration, at least all the details are inscribed on the back of the cross, so you know who it belonged to and his history. Possible to research even more about this officer. Details would be at the Militärgeschichtliches Forschungsamt in Potsdam or the Deutsche Diensstelle in Berlin (formerly WA St, Wehrmachtsauskunftsstelle), now Bundesarchiv in Berlin, you can reach them online. Many records were destroyed in February 1945 when Potsdam was bombed for the first time and entirely destroyed, but some records may have survived. There are also regimental histories for most regiments, which were published after World War I, in the late 1920s or early 1930s. You may be lucky to find an original regimental history at a specialised book dealer. The Iron Cross looks like a very good quality. There may be a maker's mark on either the pin or below the pin loop, check this out, and make an extra photo of this. Value: Very hard to estimate, but very high, I would say a good thousand at least. N.B.: Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment 208 was raised on 1. September 1914 in the Braunschweig area, X. Armee-Korps. There is a brief detailed history of Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment 208 found here: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment_Nr._208 Literature: Das Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 208. Fritz Haleck, Verlag Gerhard Stalling, Oldenburg i. O./Berlin 1922 - gibt hier abweichend den Aufstellungsbeginn mit 10. Sept. 1914 an. Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment 52 im Weltkriege: Erinnerungsblätter dt. Regimenter, Gerhard Stalling, 1925

Keep it under your hat!