The Soviet Military Awards Page Forum  
  • Serial Numbers Database 2.0
Enter Here

vBClassified Featured Listings
Seeking following Soviet campaign medals for ..,
Echoes of War
Echoes of War

Go Back   The Soviet Military Awards Page Forum > Soviet Awards Forums > Soviet Sphere > German Democratic Republic

German Democratic Republic Deutsche Demokratische Republik 7th October 1949 - 3rd October 1990

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-03-2014, 12:55 PM   #1
Pravda
Senior Member
 
Pravda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Anywhere and Everywhere
Posts: 116
Recommendations for a New Collector

Gents,

I have built up large Soviet and Mongolian collections and am thinking about branching out. I just came back from Germany and searched through the flea markets and saw some interesting GDR militaria, which has got me thinking about collecting GDR orders and medals. What I need is now is some sage advice.

I am interested in collecting a few higher quality orders and medals, specifically ones that are made of silver. I would like to get your views on what orders and medals (under $100 USD ea) are worth my time. I figure I can get the much more common medals later on.

Also, can you PM me any leads on dealers or any items you may have that are available for sale.

Finally, is their a good reference book you recommend, as there seem to be a few on the market.

Thank you in advance!!

Cheers,
Will :thumbsup
Pravda is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
Old 06-03-2014, 08:10 PM   #2
desantnik
Forum Moderator
 
desantnik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Eurasia
Posts: 2,338
Re: Recommendations for a New Collector

Get the references by Ralph Pickard. Though they are focused on Stasi collectibles, the information is also useful for other DDR pursuits.
desantnik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-06-2014, 04:28 PM   #3
Greg Collins
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Central Virginia
Age: 70
Posts: 744
Re: Recommendations for a New Collector

I will echo Paul's recommendation regarding Ralph's books... especially where documentation is concerned- very thorough and enjoyable. I would also steer you toward Frank Bartel's books. They're in German, but really won't take too long to get used to. Most DDR awards and badges had several variations, and Frank's books will point these out (what to look for, etc.). Certainly more straight "catalog-type" books rather than Ralph's books which enter into scholarly discussion, the Bartel books are at their best when used for spot recognition. However, having both Bartel and Pickard books at your disposal will certainly help you become a formidable DDR collector! Good luck!

With regard to silver... right now the focus seems to be on the earlier Volksarmee Merit and Long Service awards with the "900" (silver content) stamps. These are going for premium dollars now. Both books mentioned above will show you how to recognize these awards.
__________________
"We are Marching for the Victory of Communist Labour"
V.I. Ulyanov (Lenin)

Last edited by Greg Collins; 06-06-2014 at 04:33 PM.
Greg Collins is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2014, 01:04 PM   #4
Pravda
Senior Member
 
Pravda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Anywhere and Everywhere
Posts: 116
Re: Recommendations for a New Collector

Paul and Greg,

Thanks for the responses and excellent recommendations! I am definitely going to buy Ralph's book, consume it and go from there. I have been looking around on different dealer sites and off course the most famous auction site and gauged what is available. I think I am probably going to buy some Patriotic Merit Orders and Volksarmee Long Service Medals in the near future. I think with earlier versions I will be more likely to be buying something that was previously issued rather than made for the tourists.

Cheers,
Will
Pravda is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are Off
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
The Best Bargain as a Collector vikingraider1 General Talk Archive 17 01-22-2014 11:47 AM
Scanner Recommendations medalklector General Talk Archive 49 01-27-2010 06:46 PM


US MILITARY GRADE OD GREEN WEB BELT WITH BLACK BUCKLE 54

US MILITARY GRADE OD GREEN WEB BELT WITH BLACK BUCKLE 54" INCHES USA MADE

$9.98



U.S MILITARY BLACK HEAVY WEB BELT WITH BRASS PLATED TIP BELT ONLY USA MADE picture

U.S MILITARY BLACK HEAVY WEB BELT WITH BRASS PLATED TIP BELT ONLY USA MADE

$5.85



US Military DLA DSCP ADJUSTABLE Riggers Belt SAND SIZE 52 8415-01-526-5353 NEW picture

US Military DLA DSCP ADJUSTABLE Riggers Belt SAND SIZE 52 8415-01-526-5353 NEW

$14.90



US Military Army ALICE LC-2 Pistol Web Belt, Medium, OD Green, GRAY Buckle, FAIR picture

US Military Army ALICE LC-2 Pistol Web Belt, Medium, OD Green, GRAY Buckle, FAIR

$9.95



British Web Belt P37?? picture

British Web Belt P37??

$10.00



US Officers Black Leather Belt picture

US Officers Black Leather Belt

$29.99



U.S MILITARY GRADE BLACK WEB TROUSER BELT WITH BLACK OPEN FACE BUCKLE USA MADE picture

U.S MILITARY GRADE BLACK WEB TROUSER BELT WITH BLACK OPEN FACE BUCKLE USA MADE

$9.98



White Military Style Parade Canvas Pistol Belt 44in Adjustable Made in Taiwan picture

White Military Style Parade Canvas Pistol Belt 44in Adjustable Made in Taiwan

$14.99



USGI Army Military Individual Web OD Green Equipment Belt Size Large fits 30-44

USGI Army Military Individual Web OD Green Equipment Belt Size Large fits 30-44"

$12.95



LBT London Bridge Trading Riggers Belt Mens L Tan Extraction Loops Tactical picture

LBT London Bridge Trading Riggers Belt Mens L Tan Extraction Loops Tactical

$34.99




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:33 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright ©2011 Arthur G. Bates III