So you want to start collecting but you don't have enough to buy a Luftwaffe General's sword or a Double Decal SS helmet? There are several neat 3rd Reich items that are still under $100 that make for a beautiful collection, especially if you are on a limited budget.

Not every collector can start out with a Gold Part Badge, but these enameled Nazi Party Pins and Lapel Pins can truly be a beautiful start for your collection, without breaking the bank. Produced by several makers, these neat pins can be found in an array of orange to dark red colors. They run roughly up to about the $100 range, with the lapel backs and some of the more desirable maker marked ones, being at the top end.

Like the EK II, we literally see hundreds of the Eastern Front Medals offered in the market. As shown in period photographs, it was only the ribbon that was displayed through the second tunic button hole as with the EK II ribbon, that a soldier showed he had served on the Russian Front. The actual medal itself was kept aside and not really displayed. Kind of dull and dingy, most are not really attractive. But if you keep an eye out at the military shows, you just might find some of these medals that truly are a cut above the rest of the crop. The ones that I talk about display a gorgeous frosted finish to the outer rim of the medal, and the helmet displayed just below the jump ring. While the normal black oxide Eastern Front Medals sell for $40-60, one of these frosted examples can run you a $100 or a little more........................ but believe me, they're worth the extra. JR

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Good topic JR, I for one think the EK2 is a great looking award and reasonable to collect

And those too as you say, Friend!

JR, am away from my home computer, maybe you can post a cool pic of some EK2's?

always great to see your photos JR

Either those are frosty mint or its a little of JR's photo magic but I don't think even his photo magic can do that to a piece. Those look so nice I wanna start collecting them today.

You can also find some very interesting and high quality tinnies that make good cheap collecting. Some of the Gau tinnies are pretty neat.

Badges can make a great collection as well. I started as a teenager with badges and other cheaper items and must say it's been great introduction to a hobby. I still enjoy looking at them and don't mind buying some new ones from time to time.

JR,

Glad to see you back, I missed your thoughts, quality photos and enthusiasm for the hobby. You're right you know, there are so many aspects to our pastime that don't require a guy to have a "six-figure income..."

Even if one's annual budget can't spare more than $200, there's still quite a lot you can do with that, if you choose wisely. Two or three nice frozen-meat medals, a handful of tinnies in good condition or a few choice original stickpins. There are also some great-looking shooting medals and plenty of other nifty, period things out there for $75-100, and I mean really nice! Over three or four years time you've got enough to get a good display going - take a nice, easy tempo and do things right no matter what you collect.

Oh yeah, one more thing ... however shallow or deep your pockets are, don't forget to allow for some decent reference books in the budget too! You never see good lawyers or doctors without their reference books, do you? And above all, don't forget to study, enjoy yourself, have fun at this and appreciate everything you have!

Best regards ...

Bill

Mother's Cross - Another relatively inexpensive medal with enough variations to make going to shows a collecting hunt.

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A good thread JR! I started collecting Propaganda cards and most can be had for 100.00 as well. A lot of them are real works of art.

JR, glad to see you back. I really missed your great photography. I am now using one of your Russian Front pics as the background on my computer.Over the years I have used many of your photos as my background.With your great photography and knowledge you are a real asset to this forum. Mike

JR..Welcome back. Good topic to.At first glance you wouldnt think there were many things to collect third reich wise for under 100.00 but if you really think about it there are.Tinnies, a bunch of differt patches and cloth trade badges, Different makers of certain medals (frozen meat, iron cross 2nd,etc) lots of paper items.

The small enamel badges are interesting also and most are well under $100. I have two. The one on the left, I have no idea. The one on the right is TeNo and on the high end - $75?

Dave