When it comes to desirability in collector circles, the Luftwaffe (LW) may take top billing. Which is interesting, for Kriegsmarine material is scarcer, Waffen-SS both rare and notorious. Heer mementos are lots more plentiful, but too often deemed “common” in many collectors’ eyes. (Some exceptions being Grossdeutschland cuff titles, Feldgendermerie tunics, Panzer and assault gun wraps and “Normandy” camo helmets.)
Actually, of course, each uniformed service boasted elite units – army mountain troops, navy scuba divers, sharpshooters, army combat engineers, and special forces like the Army’s Brandenburgers. Members of these select groups often earned praise and honors.
Which explains why militaria enthusiasts favor combat versus non-combatant units. Warriors’ uniforms, decorations and gear all speak to personal courage The German Air Force seems especially celebrated, even in popular culture, and more…
