labrador
Feldgendarmerie 
kriegsberichter
Posts: 1,988
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Post by labrador on Jul 20, 2011 19:49:25 GMT 8
P 250???!!!!! bloody awesome!
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Post by darktide on Jul 20, 2011 20:12:28 GMT 8
P 250???!!!!! bloody awesome! Yes, it was 5 Swiss Francs. |
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medic
Oberleutnant
'Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum'
Posts: 650
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Post by medic on Jul 21, 2011 10:42:25 GMT 8
Dang!
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Post by darktide on Aug 1, 2011 14:38:35 GMT 8
Some of what I've gotten so far... Swiss mess kit and canteen... The mess kit is dated 1938, the canteen 1940. I have seen several of these (both mess kits & canteens) made by SIGG, the same Swiss company that makes the water and fuel bottles used by campers for beverages and fuel for the portable camping stoves. I was able to get several versions of each, with different dates.  The mess kit mounts onto the salt & pepper camo bread bag with a leather strap. The canteen fits into a compartment inside the bread bag which in turn mounts onto a large rucksack.  Authentic TAZ 90... Practically impossible to get outside of Switzerland.  |
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Post by bravotwozero on Aug 2, 2011 8:10:15 GMT 8
Authentic TAZ 90... Practically impossible to get outside of Switzerland. My gear "pusher" sold a set to me about 10 years ago. He told me it's an Irish Camouflage.  I saw how similar the pattern was to the predominantly red Swiss camo that was for sale in just about every surplus store I visited and knew better. I didn't have a lot of reference available at the time so I just snapped that photo and into storage it went. Makes me wonder now how my source got this set? Darktide, I do envy how you can shop for actual militaria there in Europe! I'd be in big trouble if I went there! |
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Post by darktide on Aug 2, 2011 12:04:40 GMT 8
Authentic TAZ 90... Practically impossible to get outside of Switzerland. My gear "pusher" sold a set to me about 10 years ago. He told me it's an Irish Camouflage. I saw how similar the pattern was to the predominantly red Swiss camo that was for sale in just about every surplus store I visited and knew better. I didn't have a lot of reference available at the time so I just snapped that photo and into storage it went. Makes me wonder now how my source got this set? Darktide, I do envy how you can shop for actual militaria there in Europe! I'd be in big trouble if I went there! From what I know there are two (2) TAZ 90 uniforms. Of course, there is the Swiss Army issue and the other one... The other one is made by a commercial manufacturer in the same "cut" as the TAZ 90. I don't remember anymore if they were able to buy the original cloth from the Swiss printer or they had some printed specifically for commercial purposes. This is the TAZ 90 that was being sold/ marketed by uscavalry and other companies in the US several years ago. I remember in the uscavalry catalog they stated it was a repro, as it was impossible to get the real stuff. Even now, if you do a net search you will find the TAZ 90 repros. Both the Swiss issue and the repro are exactly the same. I guess if you look at the tags of yours you will be able to tell. By the way, in your pic you have the ear flaps of the cap folded outside. It's supposed to be inside.  I'm in Europe to visit family, just so happens that I'm able to end up in places that have a lot of militaria. The flea markets are amazing! Lots of militaria from different European countries (some Russian/ Eastern European stuff as well) and it's cheap. You see a lot of old militaria as well. Stand alone militaria shops are best avoided... TAZ 90 trousers in a flea market range from 30-40 Euros. In a militaria store they will cost 85-90 Euros. Another good source are Caritas and other similar organizations. They have big stores where they sell stuff that was donated to them. Additionaly, When people here move houses to transfer to a different place they call Caritas, which then cleans up and collects any things the former owner left behind. I got the 1938 mess kit at a Caritas store. |
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Post by bravotwozero on Aug 2, 2011 23:12:14 GMT 8
Both the Swiss issue and the repro are exactly the same. I guess if you look at the tags of yours you will be able to tell. By the way, in your pic you have the ear flaps of the cap folded outside. It's supposed to be inside. I'm in Europe to visit family, just so happens that I'm able to end up in places that have a lot of militaria. The flea markets are amazing! Lots of militaria from different European countries (some Russian/ Eastern European stuff as well) and it's cheap. You see a lot of old militaria as well. Stand alone militaria shops are best avoided... TAZ 90 trousers in a flea market range from 30-40 Euros. In a militaria store they will cost 85-90 Euros. Another good source are Caritas and other similar organizations. They have big stores where they sell stuff that was donated to them. Additionaly, When people here move houses to transfer to a different place they call Caritas, which then cleans up and collects any things the former owner left behind. I got the 1938 mess kit at a Caritas store. Oops.  Like I said, I had no reference for it. I checked the tag, it does say Made in Switzerland. |
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Post by darktide on Aug 3, 2011 2:10:06 GMT 8
Both the Swiss issue and the repro are exactly the same. I guess if you look at the tags of yours you will be able to tell. By the way, in your pic you have the ear flaps of the cap folded outside. It's supposed to be inside. I'm in Europe to visit family, just so happens that I'm able to end up in places that have a lot of militaria. The flea markets are amazing! Lots of militaria from different European countries (some Russian/ Eastern European stuff as well) and it's cheap. You see a lot of old militaria as well. Stand alone militaria shops are best avoided... TAZ 90 trousers in a flea market range from 30-40 Euros. In a militaria store they will cost 85-90 Euros. Another good source are Caritas and other similar organizations. They have big stores where they sell stuff that was donated to them. Additionaly, When people here move houses to transfer to a different place they call Caritas, which then cleans up and collects any things the former owner left behind. I got the 1938 mess kit at a Caritas store. Oops. Like I said, I had no reference for it. I checked the tag, it does say Made in Switzerland. I believe what you have is the repro, which if I am not mistaken is also made in Switzerland. The tags on mine do not say "Made in Switzerland"... They look more "military". Anyway, what you have is a totally accurate repro in practically every aspect including the cloth. |
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Post by bravotwozero on Aug 4, 2011 0:25:42 GMT 8
Oh no! I have a repro uniform?! How can I go on??!! Just kidding. I really don't care whether it's repro or not. Most, if not all of my World War II uniforms are repros. I bought this set just for kicks without even intending to complete the gear for it. What's your latest find there? Keep them coming! I'm living my European Militaria shopping vicariously through you. |
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Post by darktide on Aug 5, 2011 13:21:14 GMT 8
Oh no! I have a repro uniform?! How can I go on??!! Just kidding. I really don't care whether it's repro or not. Most, if not all of my World War II uniforms are repros. I bought this set just for kicks without even intending to complete the gear for it. What's your latest find there? Keep them coming! I'm living my European Militaria shopping vicariously through you. Am in the Czech Republic right now, Prague (or Praha is what they call it here). Lots of militaria as well, mostly Russian & Czech, but I've seen others as well. Got myself a old Russian uniform. Both the trousers and pants are dated 1980, the cap is dated 1979. It's khaki, made out of some kind of rough material. I believe this is the uniform the Russians used during the occupation of Afganistan, before they pulled out. The cap is strange, it has a removable button flap (several buttons attach it to the cap) which covers the neck and can also be buttoned in front of the face. I also got some Czech berets with metal beret insignia. Other gear I've seen here... Russian flight helmets (different types, including some that look like spacemen's helmets with a oxygen hose attached). Russian G-suits, uniforms, different colors of military berets with insignia, different colors of ushankas, both enlisted and officers, AK bayonets, different Russian caps (including the overseas type, in different colors). Helmets (both Russian and Czech helmets look alike... The Czech has the small 2 crossed cannons ordance stamp inside, the Russian one doesn't have it. Russian leather belts (both Army & Navy, with the huge buckles), overcoats, various insignis and patches, haversacks (khaki). Lots of Czech stuff... Uniforms, caps, berets, canteens, ammo pouches, helmets, mess tins and cooker, boots. I'll be getting more stuff later... Some Russian and Czech berets and caps with insignia. Maybe some of the leather belts. I leave here tom. night, go back to Geneva and leave again for Barcelona... I'll be getting some militaria there as well. I'm the other way... I collect real stuff. I saw a complete German uniform in Geneva (just the uniform... No helmet or anything like that) so I'm thinking about that one... Isn't cheap though... |
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Post by bravotwozero on Aug 6, 2011 1:54:15 GMT 8
I'm the other way... I collect real stuff. I saw a complete German uniform in Geneva (just the uniform... No helmet or anything like that) so I'm thinking about that one... Isn't cheap though... Exactly, they are expensive. An original German Paratrooper helmet can go as high as thousand dollars, there is a repro on sale for as low as forty dollars (see Heads-Up Thread). Do the math. Even if you can afford them, they are hard to get. You don’t usually see a store selling original World War II militaria. Me, personally, I want to be able to wear my uniforms. Imagine trying to get an original World War II British Paratrooper Denison your size. Is that even possible? Even if you do get one your size, would you really want to wear it? Chances are it’ll be gross and cruddy. No thanks. Also, I want to go the whole nine yards, from uniform, to gears and to weapons. Try buying an original MP40, Stg44 or PPsh. Now, that is nearly impossible or legal. In light of these, I am perfectly fine with reproductions. That’s why I refer to my collection of uniform sets as “impressions”. Anyway, I would like to get into post-war Soviet stuff. Especially the Afghan conflict. So, please post pictures of your finds. To get back in line with the original thread, I just bought a World War II German Paratrooper Helmet! |
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Post by darktide on Aug 6, 2011 5:31:58 GMT 8
I'm the other way... I collect real stuff. I saw a complete German uniform in Geneva (just the uniform... No helmet or anything like that) so I'm thinking about that one... Isn't cheap though... Exactly, they are expensive. An original German Paratrooper helmet can go as high as thousand dollars, there is a repro on sale for as low as forty dollars (see Heads-Up Thread). Do the math. Even if you can afford them, they are hard to get. You don’t usually see a store selling original World War II militaria. Me, personally, I want to be able to wear my uniforms. Imagine trying to get an original World War II British Paratrooper Denison your size. Is that even possible? Even if you do get one your size, would you really want to wear it? Chances are it’ll be gross and cruddy. No thanks. Also, I want to go the whole nine yards, from uniform, to gears and to weapons. Try buying an original MP40, Stg44 or PPsh. Now, that is nearly impossible or legal. In light of these, I am perfectly fine with reproductions. That’s why I refer to my collection of uniform sets as “impressions”. Anyway, I would like to get into post-war Soviet stuff. Especially the Afghan conflict. So, please post pictures of your finds. To get back in line with the original thread, I just bought a World War II German Paratrooper Helmet! When I started collecting helmets (early 90's) German Para helmets were going for USD 600-800.00 for those in good condition. For my M-35 and M-40's I didn't pay more than 200.00. |
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Post by darktide on Aug 8, 2011 1:43:37 GMT 8
Some of the stuff I got in Prague... Mostly Russian. I think this is the type used in the occupation of Afganistan. All are in new, unused condition. Caps... The top one is Russian, The bottom is Czech. If I read the date stamp on the Russian cap correctly, it's dated 86  Belt... Buckle is painted OD, which is different from the usual brass Russian buckles I have seen. The belt itself is OD cotton canvas which seems to be impregnated with some type of vinyl on the outside.  Trousers, they narrow towards the ankles and have a strap which goes under the boots and buttons on the opposite side of the trousers. Reinforced knees. Waist adjustment buttons. Large ink stamp dates this to 1980.  Jacket, 2 chest pockets... cuff and pocket buttons are the Russian star with the hammer and sickle inside. Ink stamp dates this to 1980.  Strange cap, flap is removable... Ink stamps date both cap and flap to 1979.   The flap...  Cap with flap attached...  |
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medic
Oberleutnant
'Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum'
Posts: 650
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Post by medic on Aug 8, 2011 10:27:09 GMT 8
Looks like you'll be leaving your regular clothes behind to fit all your acquisitions in your luggage, heh heh.
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jimmiroquai
WW2AAA Board Chairman 
Walking the endless steppes...
Posts: 1,326
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Post by jimmiroquai on Aug 8, 2011 11:20:27 GMT 8
A birthday gift from my brother: A replica of a 1944-45 WWW (wrist watch, waterproof) made for the British army by IWC. The same kind of watch with the same specs were also made for the Brit army by Omega, CYMA, Timor, and other manufacturers. This replica is handwound just like the original.  |
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Like I said, I had no reference for it. I checked the tag, it does say Made in Switzerland.
Apr 6, 2014 20:35:43 GMT 8