Lucky13
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Rather excellent explanation!
The Iron Cross....
- Thread starter Lucky13
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parsifal
Colonel
thanks for sharing jan.
I always think of that classic line in the movie 'Cross of iron" ...."Let me take you to where the iron crosses grow!!!"
I always think of that classic line in the movie 'Cross of iron" ...."Let me take you to where the iron crosses grow!!!"
Here is an original Iron Cross 2nd Class from my collection.
parsifal
Colonel
Do you know the provenance of that iron cross adler?
No unfortunately I do not.
parsifal
Colonel
Still, very impressive.
my stepfather was awarded an iron cross in the advance to Stalingrad. I don't know what class I'm afraid. he sold it after the war for food.
my stepfather was awarded an iron cross in the advance to Stalingrad. I don't know what class I'm afraid. he sold it after the war for food.
mikewint
Captain
The Blue Max and Iron Cross with swords and my Clam Shell Luger holster
If those two medals were actually authentic, you would have a hefty emergency fall back plan...
Nice replica's though. Same with the holster.
Nice replica's though. Same with the holster.
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mikewint
Captain
Purchased from a local estate sale I've no clue to their age. I cleaned them up and located new ribbons but you are more than likely correct. As to the holster it is stamped. My fallback guns are always loaded and ready.
Your medals are not authentic. For the Pour Le Merite, the clasp hook part is the give away.
The holster is a reproduction, and you can tell by the stitching.
Very well done though, and nothing wrong with that. As long as you did not pay authentic prices. A Pour Le Merite in that condition would go for about $40,000. A Knights Cross with OL and Swords would go for about $25,000. (Without swords and OL they go for about $12,000 to $18,000 depending on condition).
Reproductions like these sell for $29.99 each on ebay...
And here is your exact holster minus the reproduction skull and eagle for sale for $29.99. Even with the exact stamp.
GERMAN P08 LUGER HOLSTER marked "OTTO SINDEL BERLIN 1938"
I have actually been collecting for 28 years, so I have gotten pretty educated in how to pick out reproductions and fakes. The market is flooded with knockoffs coming out of Russia.
A few companies in Russia got a hold of dies, and have been making new productions selling them as authentic WW2 productions. You have to be very careful.
I now only buy from reputable and verified sources.
GERMAN P08 LUGER HOLSTER marked "OTTO SINDEL BERLIN 1938"
I have actually been collecting for 28 years, so I have gotten pretty educated in how to pick out reproductions and fakes. The market is flooded with knockoffs coming out of Russia.
A few companies in Russia got a hold of dies, and have been making new productions selling them as authentic WW2 productions. You have to be very careful.
I now only buy from reputable and verified sources.
mikewint
Captain
Paid more than $30 but not much more, BUT nothing like the prices you quoted. They were pretty dirty and the ribbons were shot but no one knew the exact age or their history at the sale. The old guy was a WWII vet
I guarantee you they are a reproductions. Especially the Pour Le Merite. The hook clasp is wrong. With the KC you can tell by the thickness of the swastika and the overall finish on the edges.
The Luger replicas offered by the net have the stamps on holsters too. Here is the genuine set of the Luger P 08 Parabellum found in 2013 in Poland. The holster is dated 1940 while the Luger is of 1939. As you may see it is of very good condition although the holster leather shows the age . Sorry Mike but your holster and gun look too fresh to be 79 year old.
pic siurce : Oryginalny Luger P 08 Parabellum
pic siurce : Oryginalny Luger P 08 Parabellum
mikewint
Captain
Chris I have no doubt whatsoever that you are correct and I have no idea as to their true origin. Post war souvenirs sold to GIs?
There was a big industry in Vietnam selling VC flags smeared with monkey blood.
There was a big industry in Vietnam selling VC flags smeared with monkey blood.
That gun is a stainless steel Mitchell Luger made in 1993 by Aimco and has never been fired. They were made for about 8 years or so and are a semi-collectors item. My real one is in a sealed gun safe.
parsifal
Colonel
Wurger that luger and the holster are in exceptionally good condition. Do you have any other details on its history, both during and after the war.I am interested to know what its wartime service might have been, but also how the hell it got to this point in such excellent condition....
