Frequently Asked Questions

I have no doubt I will be asked many FAQ over time, for I have been asked various times over the years. So I will include a number of 'Good' and 'Silly' questions into two sections that I will answer honestly. If you have a question, shoot me an email.

Warning: I do not have a filter, I believe it is better to speak my mind.

Reenacting F.A.Q.

General F.A.Q.

Q. What got you into collecting?

I went to an auction with my father once when I was 11 years old and he bought me a Nazi police hat pin for $35. I still have it.

Q. Why don't you collect Third Reich stuff?

At one point I decided to do just that, however, over time I decided that it was just a mine field of fakes, stupid super expensive tins, and incredibly fierce competition. Additionally, it never sat right with me, and I decided against it, and went into greener pastures.

Q. So what got you into WW1 German?

I am part German, and additionally, necessity. I got into World War 1 reenacting, and I found that it would be wise to collect WW1 German items as well. I had continuously dealt with people that were going off of hear-say, partial knowledge, and/or dangled their knowledge as 'insider knowledge' unless I was to buy a reference book. Guess what, I did just that. Just like I did with buying LOTS of original items, also made a lot of great friends on the way that are knowledgeable and my peers. To this day I still on occasion will ask my friends for help on details for a item. It is quite the addiction!!!

"Knowledge should be shared and not risked being forgotten."

Q. Why the Great War?

When I was a kid in elementary school, I found a book on WW1 published by eye witness book. There was something dapper about the uniforms, and yet the concept of Trench Warfare was fascinating. It was a war that directly has tie in with the Second World War and to events to this day. It is in many ways the beginning of so much more, so I had to!

Q. What inspired you to make this website?

Simple, I wanted to make a website to act as a intermediate reference for a great many. The children that is inspired by the Great War and wants to learn and collect. The collectors that would like to have more knowledge on items. For the reenactors to have a means to research. Ultimately, a free source of knowledge.

Q. Why not make a reference book instead?

Frankly put, I have realized although some people will buy the reference book, it is however not a 'be all' remedy. I have spoken with many that collect, and a good number of folks prefer not to buy expensive reference books, and thus I have noticed a certain amount of ignorance. People, best investment is to buy a reference book, just to be safe.

Q. I noticed you don't have as much in regards to Pickelhaube, Stahlhelm, Feldmutze, and weapons... how come?

Why reinvent the wheel? There is a LOT of reference material and websites like Kaiser Bunker that covers that subject. So when I am to a point to cover it, I will take on the task of reinventing the wheel. But until then, enjoy what I am providing.

Q. What is your long term end game for the website?

Ideally for this to be a place where people can come to educate and research items from the Kaiser Armee.

Q. Is your stuff for sale?

Yes, some times I have things for sale. But do not email me about stuff for sale. I will post it for sale on the website. Link

Q. Why would you even sell any of it?

Simple, I do not have a warehouse to store everything, and I currently live in a small farmhouse... so I can't display everything the way I would like. Also, money is always plus.

Q. Do you buy and/or appraise?

Yes I do buy stuff. please check here for my list of what I am seeking. As for appraisals, I can do it for a small fee. I am very busy, so my appraisals may take a few days. The prices I will quote will be current and what I have personally observe selling online (sold) and on auction websites like ebay (sold listings).

Note: If you try to sell me something, I will ask you to provide pictures as proof of ownership.

Q. What about donations?

I am open to it, but understand I am NOT a official museum. I am considering opening up a Patreon so people can donate or tip me for my efforts.

Q. Hey, I saw an item for sale online (facebook, forum, craigeslist, etc), and it seems too good to be true. What can I do to confirm its a scam or not?

First thing is reverse image search.
Second thing is vocabulary. Especially if they're from a different country. Be cautious with that.
Thirdly is, are they using a first name for both the first name and surname for the account? If so, that is a dead giveaway. Another country, no understanding.
Fourth is how new the account is. Please note that there are groups online that actually sell pre-made Facebook accounts for scammers.
If they have a double first name and lack proper language skills for a english speaker and yet their account (on FB) says they are from New York, it is a possible scam.
Also, ask them for pictures with a piece of paper with their name and the current date sitting on top of the item or partly underneath it you know in a weird way where it would be very difficult to photoshop or paint (the program) the image on.
Ask them for odd and unusual pictures of the item even a picture of the person holding the item. Remember, if you ask them about pictures and if they become confrontational that means they are a scammer 99% of the time.
Finally, if you are uncertain, pay for the item as paying for good and services on PayPal. That way if they scam you, you can open up a dispute on PayPal and get your money back. NEVER USE CASHAPP - unless the item is physically in front of you or its a friend you trust!

Q. Are all of the items yours?

Unless said other wise, yes.

Q. What about the historical B/W photos?

Any of mine will be noted as such, other wise I invite collectors to contribute (with credit given). However keep in mind that realistically, the copyright of a photo expires after the expiration of the nation, posted in public domain, and surrendered by the family to the market. This isn't counting the 100+ years since the photo(s) were taken. However, keep in mind that I am not making any profit off of this website in regards to the photos. Like it or not, its the cold hard truth.

Q. I noticed that there are some dates next to item names on some of the pages, what is the meaning of this?

Simple, those are articles I am projecting to be complete and ready (or partially) to read by that date.

Q. What do you mean by 'partially'?

As I have made abundantly clear, this website is a hobby. However a partially done page typically means it is waiting for photos or additional details.

Q. Why do you reenact? Why German?

I decided to get into reenacting because I love history and I felt it would be a great way for me to get a tiny taste of what the soldiers went through. Minus the diseases ... the hunger ... the death...

I chose German because I have German ancestry, and WW1 German allows me to explore my heritage without the vile stigma of the Second World War looming over my head.

To learn more about my reenacting life, go here: Reenacting F.A.Q.

Q. I noticed that there was a grammar error, spelling mistake, or something else of the sort. What should I do?

Just shoot me a email and politely inform me. I will get to it ASAP. Remember, this is mostly a one man show. If you wish to volunteer as a potential editor, great!

Q. I read something I don't agree with, and I would like to correspond to fix it.

I would be delighted to hear from you, and to have you give me reasons. Can you give me proper reference material? If you are going to message me on corrections, PLEASE include reputable details so I may fix the content. I want to keep this as accurate as possible on the website. Just. Keep. It. Civil. And. Polite.

Q. If I give you details about my dead ancestor, can you help me find more details about him?

If you are asking me if I am able to tell you everything about your ancestor and regiment, I am sorry but I am not a ancestry website. HOWEVER, if I have any details on the ancestors regiment such as battles, duchies, etc. then I will do what I can to help.

If you want to share details including information about your ancestor's service in the Kaiser Armee, I would love to read about it!

Q. I noticed you have measurements and high detail on construction on some of the items, why?

Simple, things were made to certain specifications. However, there will always be tiny variances due to different manufacturers. I have handles items that were original, but lined up, they were off by a few millimeters. As for construction methods, its always good to know the little details to protect yourself from fraud pieces being passed off as originals.

Q. Where in the world do you find all of this stuff???

Oh, you know, I found a Geni in a bottle and asked him for WW1 German items. Best. Wish. Ever. In all seriousness, its taken years to make contacts, find sources, going to hundreds of stores in the US & Germany.

Q. Will you ever set up a display at a military or gun show?

Most likely at some point. Once I have a helper and proper signs so people know what's for sale and not for sale. So, as long as I have proper signage, help, and people remember to read, it is possible in the future. But right now, not so much.

Q. What is one thing that annoys you that collectors do in the hobby? I have a multi answer...

When the collector has obviously not taken the time to research or buy any reference books. They just buy anything that is 'WW1'. Seriously, I knew one guy that bought a Hitler Youth Canteen after the vendor told him it was WW1.
Another is people calling post war messkits 'WW1' because of Reenactorisms or what not.
Where someone will dangle tid-bits of information for others that crave it to flatter and beg the individual. Egos are real, and not healthy.
People that flip out because you clean the rust off of a rusty helmet to preserve it. Look, I get collectors wants to keep the patina, but I cannot tell you how many civil war collectors I have met that showed me a tinned steel canteen that's rusted and was restorable 30 years prior, but was never preserved and so it not have rust holes in it, and the value declines. Take care of your stuff!
People that think they are better than everyone because of whatever reason. People, look, you may have some cool things, but so do I. We live in a hobby, not a contest.
When you post a, for example, singular Iron Cross to say 'hey! this is my first one' just to have another collector post a photo of the 500 they have in their collection. I appreciate a little flexing, but that right there is utterly demoralizing. If you want to jerk it, make your own thread. Yes, I am blunt, get over it.
Talking about how they have every imaginable gun, or helmet, or bayonet, etc. None stop. Like for over an hour. Look, I am sure you have a incredibly rare Type 35 Arisaka with a epic story how you got it imported from such-and-such country. I get it, you love your stuff, and I am sure it is cool...but... may I use the bathroom now, please?

Q. What is one thing that you regret?

Not publishing this website before my dear friend and mentor passed away.

Silly F.A.Q.

Perhaps not comedic questions, just silly ones I get often.

Q. Were the Germans the bad guys in WW1?

In WW1, everyone was stuck in a figurative and/or literal mud hole. There were no real good or bad guys in the war, everyone had a valid reason to fight. A sob story to share. Sacrificing men for the slaughter like lambs. Both sides were dicks.

Q. Were the Germans NAZIs in WW1?

Wrong! The Nationalist SOCIALIST Party was founded on February 20, 1920, Munich, Germany - 2 years after 1918!

Q. Were Germans Anti-Semitic?

Yes, but they still fought along side each other during the war as brothers at arms. Even the Kaiser was even appalled by what the Nazi thugs were doing to the Jewish people in the 1930s. Sadly many German Veterans from the Great War that were Jewish didn't leave the country during those dark times because they felt they had proven themselves during the Great War, sadly many perished.

Q. When you sell an item, do you accept trades?

No, unless we meet up in person, and even then I prefer cash for my items I wish to sell.

Q. "If you are selling some things in your collection, why don't you give them to someone that will cherish them and never sell them, and etc. etc."

No offense to anyone here, but yearly I have received such messages from choosing beggars. Mostly from children or entitled goobers. This is a hobby that you have to pay money for. If you want something for free from me, just read the free knowledge I provide on this website. I love kids, and if a child messages me and wants to have a conversation about bayonets or helmets (for example), sure I'm down.

Q. Are you a Wehreboo?

To start, yes, I have been asked this a couple times. A Wehreboo is synonymous with WW2 Germany, which is not my focus. So the simple answer is 'No'. I am not a Wehreboo. I do not worship Nazi German Generals, Panzers, Weapons, Uniforms designed by suit makers, etc. If anything, I am a Prussaboo - come on, you can't say no to a handlebar mustache:

Q. Why do you often refer to the German army as 'Armee' when it should be 'Heer'?

Heer is synonymous to 'Army' but is better known for the use of the word during the Second World War. During the Great War, a lot of the German literature often refers to it as 'ARMEE'.