OK, here's a grim fantasy. For some reason, Feldmarschall Otto allows you to keep only one piece of militaria from your collection. What would it be ? I'd have a very real struggle between a complete deactivated 88mm Panzergranate shell and my deac MP44. No - I'd keep the MP44 as my one piece. How about you ?? [ 16 July 2002, 09:22 AM: Message edited by: Martin Bull ]
For sure and certain, my WW2 Stalhelm-love it to pieces....but then again....authentic WW1 and WW2 medals??????
I would have to change this into "Which Grouping" to keep. For instance: I was given a KM Officers Schiffchen (from the Engineerleutnant that origionally had it on U 181) the KM Destroyers Badge that a U 181 vet gave to my grandfather about 50 years ago as something to be symbolic in their friendship, and the Regimental Cross that was a U 181 vet-friends fathers Cross. It was awarded to his father in 1901 and was the only piece of militaria of his fathers that he had left--and he gave it to me. I would also have to include: The 41-41 east front medal--and the westwall medals, a set of Panzer Officers Collar Tabs and a few KM Cap Tallies--as they were all given to me by the German vets that had earned them. I couldnt NOT take the vet given pieces.
Martin, could you not have come up with another villain? I'm really quite nice. Now if I had to give it all up save for one item? This would be hard because I just bought some nice items, but the decision would be easy: I would keep my mp40.
Of course, Otto, of course.... I just had to think of someone who we would all have to obey without question !
Does my Opa count as a miliaria item? No, OK. Then I would pick the Luegger he gave me in my birthday, which by the way is the only relique I have.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Imagine it though, me a kid of 27, bossing around all sort of men several years my senior. I should be calling YOU guys "Sir". *Otto stands at attention and clicks his heels* S!
I"d say my dad's and grapms dogtags and if possible, uniforms. If that doesn't count though, my original medic helmet.