For example, items like ring Totenkopf, poster ss and even the NSDAP uniform might be worthless to another person who knows nothing about the historical background of those items. The fallout of the WWII and other wars we have fought in the world has been the numerous militaria and as a new collector, you need to know how to identify the fake ones which have already saturated the market space. For example, if you don't know some basic things here, you will end up paying so much for an item that is fake and with lesser value in the first place.
In your journey towards identifying the fake militaria, the first thing is that you online and do a research about that item you want to buy. You have already determined how much you want to spend, then go to the online shops selling that item, look for its trading history few years down the line and check out for the feedback of the buyers. And as a matter of fact, going for the right dealer, without questionable image is key in collecting the genuine ones. Doing this would have helped to cross the hurdle of picking fake item by 50%. Then you can now make use of following:
1. Paying attention to details: With your research, you would have known some basic features on the item you want to buy. When you finally pick it or select it, examine it and make sure that all those details are there. This is really helpful in selecting German assault badge, Golden Party Badge and so on.
2. Using your experience: This might not work for you if you are a new collector but you will acquire it with time. Get yourself more exposed to the items you want to deal in by discussing with those in the same field, reading magazines, books and so on. It will help you in identifying memorabilia badges like NSDAP membership badge, Golden Party Badge and German assault badge, and leather items like German Gestapo leather trench coat. With the aid of a magnifying lens, you can view the badges by paying close attention to the lines, wing feathers, and the eagle's nose as the genuine ones will have sharp and well-defined lines. Anything outside that is fake.
3. Using the black light test: It is used to identify the authenticity of cloth-related memorabilia. The cotton used to produce those clothes during the war were not treated in the factories like what we have now. So a cloth placed under the black light will shine if it is a newer item but an item in WW II era will look dull.
You can as well use both the burn test and the strength test. And while burn test will also help in identifying genuine cloth items, the strength test is used in identifying authentic German assault badge.
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