Looking for help on value of a German SS uniform

ryanloco

ryanloco

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I have access to a mint German SS uniform (hat+tunic ... Possibly pants).

The details as I can determine are

The SS Division Totenkopf ("Death's Head"), also known as 3. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Totenkopf and 3. SS-Panzer-Division Totenkopf, was one of the 38 divisions fielded by the Waffen-SS during World War II. Prior to achieving division status, the formation was known as Kampfgruppe Eicke. The division is infamous due to its insignia and the fact that most of the initial enlisted soldiers were SS-Totenkopfverbände (SS concentration camp guards).

The Totenkopf division was numbered with the "Germanic" divisions of the Waffen-SS. These included also the SS-Panzer Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, SS-Panzer Division Das Reich, and SS-Panzer Division Wiking.

Pics to follow, but would like to determine what the value might be.
 
Most SS items on the market are fake.

What you're describing would be worth thousands if original. Few true original Totenkopf uniforms are still in existence.

The quality of the fakes are so good it's really hard to tell. You would need to post many detailed photos on a specialized forum, such as wehrmacht-awards.com

The seller is probably trying to unload a fake uniform on you since you're not an experience SS uniform collector. Proceed with caution!!!

-Steve
 
Most of the collectors I know will not touch any German WW2 items, unless there is documentary proof. The quality of current fake uniforms, medals, is very high. Be very careful!
 
Buyer Beware!

There is a company in Germany that makes new reproduction German uniforms, the company name is Janke.
I saw a few about 10 years ago and they are almost indistinguishable from the originals.
They are special order and they take several months to make.
Some say they are so good, they are being sold as originals.


http://www.extraklasse.co.uk/shop.php

Check out the link as there are 37 pages of repro German uniforms and such.


http://www.stby.com/bbm/products.htm

Bottom line, don't spend a cent until you have it authenticated (online and hands on) as to real or repro.
 
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All these guys speak the truth. SS is the most faked item of WW2 i think.

It can and will come down to fibre analysis at magnification I would guess. id say a specialized forum to start. Take at least 5 times as many pics as you think are needed. All stitched joints, inside and out, all tags, markings, buttons, rear of buttons, button holes, fabric, insignia, etc
 
Certainly the fabric and type of thread along with stiching pattern and spacing will need to be examined by a highly trained eye, pictures--you can post all the photos you wish however this will only weed out poorly constructed repros, the quality items will need a hands on. black lights used to be able to be rule of thumb for synthetic threads, it is now only a small percentage,big dollars here for authentic items. SS of any division or gruppe is all worth serious dollars.

The chances of an non SS collector learning of authentic items is slim to narrow at best although our aging veteran's are still coming up with a few treasures from time to time, most tunics are already known between collectors.

Should your item be original then that would be just great however heed the advice of others before shelling out your hard earned dollars and take it slow, do your homework well.
 
Ve lost der war, but all dose folks who won vanted souveniers so ve just opened der factory again.:D
Und ve used der same dies und der same blanks to make more medals
 
Thanks for the input. What would be considered traceable provenance that would pass muster? Or, as noted above - would a fibre analysis be the only true test?

The origin of the garment is via Belgium from a collector, so I will do a little more digging.

Thanks
 
ryanloco said:
The origin of the garment is via Belgium from a collector, so I will do a little more digging.
Click to expand...

Sorry, but if this item is not local and is an internet deal, that's enough for me to say run away!!!

Anyone online would know better. Is the fellow named Powell Nowak??? He's one of the legendary scammers in German militaria, these scammers try to give you some B.S. story about how they came across the uniform, and they just want to get rid of it for some bargain price. Usually the buyer will receive either reproduction items or just nothing at all. Of course these fellows are usually in Eastern Europe and you will have no way of getting a refund.

Pursuing this deal any further will just result in frustration and lost money. I think you have a better chance of winning the lottery than getting a real Totenkopf uniform in mint condition from this fellow.

-Steve
 
Steve1987 said:
Sorry, but if this item is not local and is an internet deal, that's enough for me to say run away!!!

Anyone online would know better. Is the fellow name Powell Nowak??? He's one of the legendary scammers in German militaria.

Pursuing this deal any worth will just end up with frustration and lost money. I think you have a better chance of winning the lottery than getting a real Totenkopf uniform in mint condition from this fellow.

-Steve
Click to expand...

Yup!! Good ol "Pawel"!!! LOL!

Ran into him on the GK43Forum, and also he tried to scam me on the Alberta Outdoorsman Forum too!!! He sure does get around...

I try to stay away from anything SS that is "real", it's usually fake. The worst sometimes are the Antique malls (they all seem to have original SS Helmets for only $500!! ...) Riiiight!!

The only SS item I have held in my hand I have been sure that was real was an SS Belt Buckle my cousin personally found in a forest outside of Giessen, Germany, where he lives.
 
I sold an original German parka with rabbit fur lining,berlin buttons in italian camo (well worn) for $1200. Estate find from a 90 plus year old German fellow in Cornwall....included his papers,(sold before I could buy them) ....but saw them. Paid $75 for the Jacket and was the only reason I bought it.Even with the papers I was leery of it. Took awhile to confirm what it was. Luckily this version was not faked as much as the others at the time....unfortunately I cannot say that now.Go to At The Front Militaria and read his rants...I find them very informing. Good Luck.... as for value.......Email MARWAY Militaria in Winnipeg or Grimshaw military antiques they maybe of assistance.

Also a majority of uniforms were converted to civilian suits after the war as was most military stock.
 
It the uniform is in Europe you will never touch the price. The prices in Europe are three or four times what is paid over here. If you really want to get "sticker shock" go to an European arms fair. Take some oxygen as you will need it from gasping at the prices and things do sell at those prices. As a chum in Europe put it "gentlemen collect...gentlemen have money".
I'd really be leery of sending any cash to Europe as once it is over there consider it gone. If you want some thing to look at get a Chinese repro for $125.00 as they are good and only you and the post man will know for sure.
Your friend had better be a real good friend and know the difference between an original and repro. Even the "expurts" are getting fooled nowadays. As my old buddy John Sukey said, they never stopped making a lot of the kit in Europe....just kept plugging along to supply the American "garritroopers" who got there too late for the bun fight but wanted something to tell stories about back home.
 
there are copies of original uniforms made in Edmonton by professional tailors and a lot of people on this forum will tell you fakery is rampant on the internet as it is don't get burned
buy local gmaxtailoring.com
 
ryanloco said:
I have access to a mint German SS uniform (hat+tunic ... Possibly pants).

The details as I can determine are

The SS Division Totenkopf ("Death's Head"), also known as 3. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Totenkopf and 3. SS-Panzer-Division Totenkopf, was one of the 38 divisions fielded by the Waffen-SS during World War II. Prior to achieving division status, the formation was known as Kampfgruppe Eicke. The division is infamous due to its insignia and the fact that most of the initial enlisted soldiers were SS-Totenkopfverbände (SS concentration camp guards).

The Totenkopf division was numbered with the "Germanic" divisions of the Waffen-SS. These included also the SS-Panzer Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, SS-Panzer Division Das Reich, and SS-Panzer Division Wiking.

Pics to follow, but would like to determine what the value might be.
Click to expand...


We await your pics.
 
I second GMAX. Have had a couple items tailored by him, they are top notch, and quality!

1 Sumpfmuster (Tan and Water) Non Reversible Parka
1 2nd Type "Kharkov" Parka

Great for hunting, or just going out on the town in cold weather!
 
Unfortunately no pics this weekend as the owner was not willing to take the garments out from the display glass for a detailed examination, pictures...

I think this looks to be a dead end...
 
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