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ArchiveLast Updated: July 29, 2008
At the Front Archives
I have repeatedly harped and ranted that education is the best tool to combat peepa dealers and to improve one's understanding of WWII militaria in general. These pages will be my attempt to treat the problem rather than simply railing about the symptoms. Hopefully, they will answer many questions and better yet, prevent some people from getting burned by the crooks who populate every single military show and online auction in existence.
The following pages are an archive of relevant information concerning examples and research of original WWII militaria, current and period documentation, and links for general research. The information posted here is to assist and inform anyone interested in WWII militaria. Much of the information I have gleaned from examining authentic samples both in my own as well as other peoples' collections. If and whenever possible, supporting documentation from the wartime government archives will be footnoted or quoted.
This archive will be a perpetual work in progress. There are far too many niches within WWII collecting to attempt to write a comprehensive guide. I will stay within my areas of expertise (as it may be) which include uniforms, field gear and insignia. Firearms, edged weapons and medals will not be covered.
Submissions. I do not claim to know it all. Anyone who does, is an idiot. If you have relevant information or feel I have made a glaring error, feel free to contact us (email being by far the best way in this case) and I'll consider your suggestions. Likewise, if you know your stuff and want to do an article or page on a certain topic, that will also be considered. I'm inherently lazy and if someone will do it for me, great.
Ruffled feathers. I am well aware of the "conventional wisdom" and socially acceptable norms surrounding WWII militaria. However, as some of you know, I suffer from elfin impulses to piss in the Wheaties whenever possible. If the CW is historically incorrect, I have no qualms about making yellow cereal. Some of the information posted here may contradict that which is in popular, published sources. Swimming against the current is a good workout. Likewise, if you are a merchant or collector and something here gives you heartburn by casting doubts about an item you are selling...well...tough.
Appraisals. These are not offered. In some cases, I may post the "going rate" for certain items, most often to illustrate the tactics of fraudulent ("Peepa" in ATF slang) dealers. Please don't request quotes or appraisals of your militaria as I will not do it. It's another can of worms I don't want to open.
Links: As the "Links Page" is only intermittently maintained, I will provide relavent links on this page
-US Airborne website has historical information on WWII Airborne units, in particular, which regiment was assigned to which division.
-Combat Chronicles of US Army Divisions in WWII is a good website for basic divisional histories. They also have lists of the sub-units (regiments and support battalions) assigned to each division.
