Photography and Militaria

It's said a picture is worth a thousand words and nothing could be more true. That's why so much space is devoted to pictures in catalogs, books and just about every other media used to sell something. I see a lot of really bad photos on our web site so I thought I would write this little article to maybe help someone.

If you're selling militaria on the internet then photos of the pieces should be considerd an absolute must. And taking it a step further, "good" photos....

Years ago in the "olden days" of Der Gauleiter I offered an auction service for several years. This required that I photograph the pieces for the catalog (and develope and print and diddle with them. Thank God for digital photography!) I was able to learn a few things about shooting pics of militaria and thought I would pass them along for what they're worth.

There are several things you have to consider when taking your pics. The ones that seem to cause most people to screw up are lighting, focus, exposure and composition. All seem simple enought but it just ain't so. Forutnately with todays digital cameras you can just keep trying till you get it right... no wasting film and developing to see your results. You see what you got at once and just shoot again if it doesn't look right. There's really is no reason not to have good photos of your stuff.

Lighting: First you have to have "enough", then you need to know how to use it. What you have to look out for is shadows. These can really make it hard for someone to pick our details in a photo. You can use lights; professional lights are best but it you don't want to spend a lot, and you really don't have to, try this. I've use a pair of clip on type work lights that I got at an auto supply store. I put one on each side of the piece and balanced them to eliminate shadows. Another trick that works very well is to shoot the pics outdoors on an overcast day. If you can stand ourside in the daytime and not see your own shadow, you're in business. You can get great pics with no shadows at all. A flash seldom works well unless you "bounce" it.

Focus: This seems obvious but it's surprising how many people will mess up. I notice that it's usually because they tried to get too close to the item and their camera won't focus at that short distance. Having the piece a little smaller in the pic is better than having it out of focus. And as a side note... many collectors think that an out of focus pic is the sign of someone trying to pass a fake.

Exposure: This goes along with lighting. Make sure the picture is bright enough to see the details of the piece. If it comes out too dark then shoot it again. Adjust your camera or lights to get a good shot.

Composition: Don't try to be "artistic". You're not shooting pics for an art magazine! You're trying to show the buyers exactly what you've got, nothing more. Just straight forward shots are best. And watch that background. No one wants to be distracted by a lot of clutter behind the piece. Shoot on as plain a background as you can.

Finally, even the best shots can use some "tweeking". After you shoot the pics it's always a good idea to make some final adjustments. You can use a photo program to do this. I use Paint Shop Pro 5 and it's great. I can adjust the brightness, contrast, crop and just about anything else that needs to be done before I publish the pic.

Doing it right really takes no more time than doing it wrong. Good pics will make your ad look better and increase your sales. It's worth it. You can also find some tips on photos in our web site's HELP section.

Bob Treend, "Photography and Militaria", Militaria Blog, 2009

Instant Information, The Internet As Your Tool

I believe that one of the biggest issues regarding collecting, is having accurate knowledge. This allows collecting to be a satisfying and rewarding enterprise.

Before the internet existed, accurate specialized knowledge of German collectible items, was a very difficult thing to acquire.

In decades past, your data access, was limited to what you could manage to gather on any subject through the means available at that time. Searching library shelves for reference books, could not only be slow, but finding the exact photo, fact, or map might be nearly impossible.

Book stores had small amounts of general references on the subject of History and WW2. Used book stores had primarily softcover or "pocket editions" and the majority of information was text. What photos were found, were likely grainy black and white, and not very useful at all.

Films were often inaccurate (Hollywood!), or if original, were quick glimpses and flashes.

The massive number of lavishly illustrated specialized reference volumes, now coming to market almost daily, simply did not exist. Getting access to original materials in museums, archives, and libraries was always a costly and time consuming enterprise.

Locating and examining the actual objects, has always been a time consuming effort as well. Networking with other enthusiasts, supplied accumulated knowledge, however it also perpetrated many inaccuracies that survive to this very day! A base of accurate knowledge was hard to build up!

With the development of the new information technology however, information can be retrieved in an instant with a simple keyword query on search engines like Google or Yahoo. Multiple sources of very specific information, can quickly be compared in minutes. This gives a very good basis for reaching conclusions.

It can help a buyer discover the details about an item he finds interesting and intriguing. If he has little real knowledge, he can import a quick education, and insure he is not making a costly mistake. All it takes is doing those specialized searches, and reading through the resulting data. Of course one must still filter out the BS, but that is part of any work like this.

For a seller, it is a powerful tool. It helps him represent his item in the most accurate way. Text previously written expounding on the details of an object can be copied and edited to create a presentation that both informs and excites the buyer's interest. Even more importantly it gives both buyer and seller confidence the transaction is going to be a good experience.

I recently saw an ad for a WW2 M-1911 .45 Auto, Remington Rand Pistol, for sale. After examining the pictures and reading the text, I asked some specific questions. The answers I received by email, gave me no additional accurate information to aid in the decision making process. I felt from my own experience, the item was inaccurately described and priced. My impression was that the seller seemed to lack the inspiration, or perhaps a method to acquire and supply accurate data. This would not instill confidence for me, and would likely not in most thinking potential buyers.

Whether it is simple ignorance, assumption, or a determined attempt at deception, is NOT what I address here. I am definately not calling the motives of the seller into question.

My focus is on how simple it is to acquire accurate reference in a few moments. It is advice on how to create confidence, instead of doubt and possible mistrust. People often make assumptions about motives when money is involved, but not everybody has a level of expertise. It would make things more transparent, if all buyers and sellers make the effort to be more informed. I have handled and examined hundreds of these WW2 sidearms in the past 40 years. I decided to see what one single keyword image search on google would give me if I were a total novice. I typed this, "m-1911 remington .45 ww2" in the Data Box of Google, and then clicked for an image search. I find the old saying is true. A picture IS worth a thousand words. On the first page of Google search results, were these pictures of Government issued WW2 era manufactured .45 pistols.

So what did this 5 second effort accomplish? It gives an instant lesson.

Many other facts can readily be found in the search results, however a careful buyer would quickly note:

a. The WW2 issue .45 was finished in a matte Parkerized finish, not in a glossy bluing.

b. The WW2 grips are an injection molded resin compound with a distinctive pattern and color.

c. The edges and surfaces are sharply defined and very clean looking. This is clearly apparent even on the very worn example pictured.

The seller's pictures illustrated a pistol differing in many respects, from these very standard examples. Comparing these images, to the seller's photos would likely be enough to cause concern to potential buyer. This would hopefully motivate the buyer to expand his knowledge, by doing more research.

If the seller had made the same effort to acquire accurate data, relating to his $1500 item, he might have presented it differently. Information acquired by doing a search, would have allowed the seller to give more accurate and helpful service, when questions are asked by potential buyers.

You may wonder why I do not include photos of the pistol I refer to. The point of the article is not to indict some item or its owner. It is not to cause suspicion or drama. My mission here, is to add tools and creative thinking processes, to the skillset of all the involved buyers and sellers. If everyone operates more competently we all benefit from it.

Charles Warriner,"Instant Information, The Internet As Your Tool", germanmilitariacollectibles.com, militaria blog, 2008

Collecting Documents and Photographs

Collecting autogrophs is not a new hobby or vocation by any means and it is hard to estimate how many people collect them.

Collecting signatures of WW II Axis and Allied personalities is not uncommon. However the number who collect only Third Reich signatures is relatively small. Autographed letters, books, photos, postcards and documents signed by political or military figures are in abundence and are quite inexpesive at this time.

Autographed letters and documents of historical significance generally run from $75. up depending on the contents, signer, the condition, whether it is on letterhead ect. A great variety of documents of lesser importance run anywhere from $8.00 up. Signed photos are of course less expensive than documents or letters. Signed photos of certain Generals and Admirals. and other officers can be had for approximately $15. and up.

Signed NSDAP and SS photos usually command higher prices. Signed Hitler photos are not terribly scarce particularly in New York City where they are not difficult to locate and at the present time they usually sell for $175. and up. Signed documents often sell for almost twice as much, depending again upon the contents.

One of the things the collector does not have to worry too much about is forged signatures, at least as for as the lesser known Reich Officials. One of the problems often encountered is signed photos with an undecipherable signature. Postcards usually have printed either on the front or back the name of the individual, whereas photos do not. The collar tabs and other insignia help greatly in determining the rank and branch, but unfortunately, can not tell you who the individual is. As is sometimes the case you may not be able to determine who the person is, but it, pays to hang onto the photo especially if it is a high ranking official, on the chance of perhaps identifying it in the future.

Many personalities of the Reich are still alive and sometimes will send out autagraphs, photos and perhaps a short letter if requested in a polite manner. The trick is to find out where they now live, and when you do be courteous and go to a translator if you can not write in German; it leaves a much better impression.

It is possible to tell many things by a sample of handwriting" though handwriting analysis is almost a science in itself. Himmlers pre-occupation with ancient runic letters can be seen in his signature, which with its straight lines is extremely similar to runes as written in the 9th century. Hitler's signatures are unusual because of the fact he used two different styles of signatures. The reason for signing his name in a different style later on, is not known.

Autographs are a sound investment, they steadily rise in value, year after year, and they never depreciate as stocks do, although it will take a good while for a autograph to double in value, but on the other hand there is little risk involved, which cannot be said for stocks, also in its favor is that its inexpesive, and takes up very little space. Those who are interested in autographs should endeavor to pick up a few samples, for they enhance any callection of 3rd Reich relics, particularly when framed.

Jay A. Robbins: "Autographs", "Military Collectors' News", 1972