Visiting And Shopping Inside And Outside The Former Soviet Union.

[Tretov]

Does anyone know how the current situation in Riga regarding Soviet items (availability) and the pricing is? I haven't been there for quite some time (talking several years), but my girlfriend wants us to go there on a cruise later this summer, so I guess a new visit is coming up.

[charlet]

I'd say about 90% fakes (or brand new 2004 variations for every badge you want...).
I've got the worst echoes from my suppliers going there.

[Tretov]

Well, badges is not really my thing, I am more into basic uniforms and "standard level" orders.

[new world]

Baltics are known to be a heaven for fakes, so I would be very careful when shopping in Riga.

[charlet]

I remember a good friend, honnest but not expert in soviet stuf sold me what looked like a milicia grey jacket, coming from one of its supplier from baltics...
I find one detail curious...and then, examinating with "head cold" the jacket in my car, I saw...a polish jacket, polish s/n with sewn milicia effects. I wasn't as "expert" as now (thanks to this board).

[Rick]

I have visited Latvia with my wife every two years for the past 10 years. I have not seen too many fakes. The couple of "antique dealers" and medal enthusiasts I have bought from in both Riga and Daugavpils are aware of the sensitivities of fakes and all knew of Paul McDaniel. I have bought many expensive Soviet orders and medals from Latvia (at very reasonable prices) and have not had one turned back as a fake from Paul.

However, Estonia is a different story. There was not one store I went to that didn't carry fakes selling them as real. It was scary.

I guess, like always, know who you are buying from and educate yourself the best you can as to how to spot fakes.

Maybe I have just been lucky.

Rick

[scook17]

Hi,

I have recently moved to Munich and there are quite a few shops here selling coins and medals, stamps, postcards etc. I have only been here a few days and as I am working I never seem to be able to get to anywhere before it closes.

Anyone recommend somewhere to look for soviet stuff?

Kind Regards,
Shane Cook.

[scook17]

I've heard they have a few good markets in Frankfurt. I might take a tip there over the weekend. Any german members of the forum care to comment?

Kind Regards,
Shane Cook.

[Dat Nguyen]

Greetings,

There is one every Sat along the Main River in Frankfurt near Sachsenhausen. I think its near the Schaumainkai(sp?). Quite a large flea market; you may find a few vendors that sell soviet militatia; common stuff not very much high end stuff like before I've spent LOTS of money there from 93-98.

You can go to this web site: http://veranstaltungen.marktcom.de

There it list all the flea markets in your area group by the German postal zip codes. (moderators, I hope that the link above is allowed) Good hunting and let us know what you find.

v/r
Dat Nguyen

[Taz]

Welcome to Germany Shane,
this maybe a bit far to travel but during the Winter period there is always a "Militaria Messe" in the Dortmund Westfalen halle.
I'll try and find out the exact dates for you if you like.

Eddie.