I could use some advice from you "old hands" out there. I'm new to this hobby (having decided last year that it would be a good idea to get out of 3rd Reich stuff) and have been starting with a basic collection with the more common Pickelhaubes at affordable prices. But I've looked with envy at the beautiful stuff that's been posted on this forum, as well as the high-end stuff on websites like Weitze and auctions like Hermann Historica. Dream on....
Anyway, I have a major birthday (count multiple decades) coming up, and my lovely wife has just told me that she wants to give me something special: the pickelhaube of my dreams. I just have to tell her where to buy it, and the upper limit is around $2,500. Wow! This almost makes getting old worthwhile.
Now my problem is I don't know where to start. There are too many possibilities. If any of you can give me your opinions on the following, I would be very grateful:
1. If you were in my shoes, what single type would you add to "lift up" a basic collection consisting of "normal" pickelhaubes (mostly M1915s, felts, and basic Prussian officer)?
2. Which high-end dealers out there (I guess mainly in Germany) has the best reputation for fair dealing and quality?
3. Do you know of any specific helmet in my price range that's listed for sale somewhere that you recommend I take a look at?
Sorry for this lengthy post. But if you have a few idle moments, please send me your thoughts. This is a great forum, and I look forward to your knowledgeable opinions.
Happy Memorial Day everyone!
Anyway, I have a major birthday (count multiple decades) coming up, and my lovely wife has just told me that she wants to give me something special: the pickelhaube of my dreams. I just have to tell her where to buy it, and the upper limit is around $2,500. Wow! This almost makes getting old worthwhile.
Now my problem is I don't know where to start. There are too many possibilities. If any of you can give me your opinions on the following, I would be very grateful:
1. If you were in my shoes, what single type would you add to "lift up" a basic collection consisting of "normal" pickelhaubes (mostly M1915s, felts, and basic Prussian officer)?
2. Which high-end dealers out there (I guess mainly in Germany) has the best reputation for fair dealing and quality?
3. Do you know of any specific helmet in my price range that's listed for sale somewhere that you recommend I take a look at?
Sorry for this lengthy post. But if you have a few idle moments, please send me your thoughts. This is a great forum, and I look forward to your knowledgeable opinions.
Happy Memorial Day everyone!