pure65, I tried to understand your reaction but I can't. Where could you see an insult, or even just disrespect, in what Tony wrote??? This is beyond me. He was not referring to you, but to an object that does not even belong to you! Tony's statement was blunt, for sure, but spontaneous and spot on. Are you so fragile that you cannot stand direct language?
When I started collecting, I was offered an officer Tschapka for sale. Being uneducated on the subject, I showed it to the late Didier Laine, one of the most famous collectors of Imperial German gear and author of books that remain among the best references today. A real gentleman, he was also straight and plainspoken. His answer was; "Your helmet is genuine, but what a piece of s..t!" (he was referring to the condition). Should I have felt offended even for a fraction of second??? I was amused by his candid reaction, and honored and proud to get advice from such a prestigious mentor.
As of advice, you posted this "Tschapka" and immediately two of us answered it is a fake, and explained why. What else do you want? You should be happy to have this resource so easily available. I wish you had known the time when seasoned collectors asked for advice would look at you with a grin and add "If you don't know what you are buying, don't buy".
As of prices, the subject may be slightly sensitive since there was some concern lately was some new members were considering the forum as a mere free appraisal site. Admitting online you know nothing about prices and advertising the items on ebay at the same time may not be the best way to go. Instead, you might have asked if some forum members could communicate with you privately about value. Many of us would have been happy to help you, without the bias of being professional dealers. Personally, I am not sure I would agree with the suggestion to consult with established dealers regarding prices...