I have been lurking and collecting guns, knives, U.S. millitaria for a long time. I have looked at so many German daggers at gun shows over the years, but have been so unsure of what I am looking at that I have been afraid to purchase any for fear of buying a fake. I came very close last weekend to buying a dagger from a gentleman who had a booth full of German millitaria but just couldn't make the leap. I see there is a series of books on German daggers, is this the place for me to learn about the variations and how to spot fakes? I'm not a rich guy so if I spend $500 on a fake, that would make me quite unhappy. Where do I go to learn German dagger 101?

hi valhalla ss,,,welcome to another acute form of madness and dementia,,,i believe in buying books,associating with other collectors of the items you are interested in and lots of hands-on experience is the best way i have found to become learned,,,books purchased will always be a reference for you to have,hold and peruse at your leisure,however some books have fake daggers or fantasy pieces pictured in them as well...if it were me,i would try to purchase Tom Johnson's excellent 7 volume set on daggers and swords,if you want very fine details as to variations between makers,etc,,,Tom Wittmann's series of books on daggers would also be an excellent choice,,if possible,try to get both of the author's books,,,you should be able to wade through the muck successfully with these in tow,,,best of luck,,,Robert

Tom Wittmann's books are very good:

http://www.wwiidaggers.com/REFTTW.htm

Also another good reference book for spotting fakes is by Fred Stephens:

http://www.rnmilitary.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/paren...subcatid/0/id/341363

If you're thinking about making a purchase, try and get some photos first and post them here on GDC. That way, you receive some good, honest, valid opinions from the rest of the addicted dagger collector community...