This is the place for the all the assorted militaria related information mixed with my "clever" gags and other dumb stuff.

German WWI/WWII Cutout Helmet Info.

It is quite easy to tell if a cutout helmet is original. Here are some things to look for when buying one:

They are always a size 64!!!

They are always made by ET.  The placement of the ET64 stamp on a standard M16/18 helmet is in the area of the cut or scallop, so if a standard helmet has been made into a cutout, the ET64 will be missing. The Et46 stamp is located farther to the front on a real cutout.

The edge will have an even roll or lip the points outward, not just an area where material has been removed.

Please see the photos of original examples.

Click on the photos for enlargements

Take the SS Collar tab challenge.

Which SS Calvary Division Maria Theresia tab is an original one and which is a made in the 1960s fake?  Why?    How do we tell? Neither glows under a black light, and both are the same in  thickness! Click on the images for an enlargement.

A.   

B.   

Answers are @ the bottom of this page.

SVM’S Little Known Historic Quotes

“Never give the Fuhrer a noogie!”  Field Marshal (retired) Von Blomberg

“The Red Army was not very nice.” The women of Breslau

“What the hell was that?” The Mayor of Nagasaki

“New briefcase, Stauffenberg?” Adolf Hitler

“Never start a boys only club.” Ernst Rohm

“Just exactly how many Russians is in a big honkin’ butt load, General Paulus?” Adolf Hitler

 "Der Fuhrer is my brother-in-law; nothing can happen to me now." Hermann Fegelein

"Apparently jokes regarding hillbillies that need a breath mint are not always appropriate."  Douglas MacArthur

"I have been given a command in Southern Russia. That sounds like a nice warm place for some easy blitzkrieging."   Friedrich Paulus.

SS Collar Tab Challenge Answers

A is the original one. The background wool, on the original, should not have a checkerboard weave visible in the fake.  Also the post war example silver grey thread has some "fuzz" visible with a magnifying glass, but somewhat visible here. Original WWII era silver grey thread will have no fuzz under magnification. Use these two hints top help you with SS embroidered tabs. Caution, these replica tabs, available with most different divisional insignias, as well as skull and SS style, are offered for sale often. Many times they will have wonderful looking age to them!