UBB.threads Forums Thread Like Summary - End of year 2022 Market Report

Well, for me at least 2022 was a decent year for my ring collecting..

I'm not actively collecting but,,,IF, if I see a ring I can upgrade with a fair price I'll grab it... OR, Like at the MAX IF II see a type / pattern I've never had and again fair priced I'll get it too..
- Only looking for 3 different type rings for my collection. I'll probably never get them but keep up hope!

Photo of most my MAX haul,,,and my recent 'Paris' ring.. Think I got something at the beginning of the year but don't remember! - old age



- * SO,, I have been very fortunate to be able to attend the MAX show this year. - Our subject area of WW2 theme rings has been hit hard... Since hitting mainstream maybe 10 years ago or so its been harder and harder each year.. Doesn't matter if Axis, Allied, Collaborating/Friendly its been hard...
Even WW2 U.S. rings.. enamels are almost not even seen the last year or 2! And, like the German rings prices got high... Our little niche hobby of years ago hitting mainstream hit hard. Gone are the days of a $100 authentic ring! Doesn't matter which type Allied, Axis etc. You will not find it.. With more people collecting them gone are the 'flea market', bazaar' 'boot sale' ring finding days!

I've seen some who collect a certain pattern/type ring. SS only,,WestWall only,,Skull... Those who've been collecting a long time end up with a excellent collection.. Most of the time not exceptionally large but of the rare ones, unique patterns etc. You end up with a nice ring case of your type.

- Others collect any type WW2 ring they can get their hands on. I'm doing it 40+ years so I have 300 or so rings in mixed categories, conditions etc. I like it like that. Everyone is different so you collect what you like and makes you happy when you look at them and think of their historical journey to you... How could such a small thing, items not made in the 1000s pattern wise,,,how did they make it to our case.!

- So we have other problems. In my next post I'll hit upon where rings have been showing up,,and where to look.....

Our market... As of 2022 its been very poor all around the world I bet..

- Economy affects the market most of the time and its bad everywhere... But for us its also the decline of finding authentic period patterns!.,

SO, where do you find your rings.. I've had emails - 'Gaspare I have money,,where can I find SS and Skull rings?' Moneys great as you can't make a purchase without it unless trading is involved.. But you got to move guys! Some effort is involved if you want . An email or internet posting is fine,,but won't get you much anymore...

- Well the good old way of eBay is over. U.S., German, where ever,,,its dead. Sure plenty of listings,,,of fake/fantasy rings! Yeah eBay the good ole' standby is over

You guys can post where you find rings. But I don't think I'll get much a response , Its that tough now days. Giving it up may cost you rings for your collection!

So I'll post a short list:
-Well sure,,keep on checking eBay,,never know you might get lucky.

-Lately these seems to be 2 military auction sites in Germany that have been having a nice variety of rings. But,, you've got to be careful,,,the fakes and fantasies are everywhere..

-The internet military collecting forum sites,,GDC, WAF, etc etc. Go to the For Sale section. Rings show up from time to time. They will be expensive though..
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-Flea Markets, Bazaars , 'Boot Sales'.. I've posted above about them. But,,if you have one or so that is close to you it doe not hurt to check.. Around by me we have a couple during the warm weather months. I go early,,get some walking in and you never know!.. I have not found anything probably in the last 2 years or so keep that in mind......Next.

-The Military show. Especially the mega shows. Here in the US the 2 best is MAX and the SOS. There are rings there. Honor Rings, Private Purchase. They can be expensive so bring your 'A' game if you want a fair price. I always come home with at least one. - This year I went to help MilitaryNuts family sell his pieces and the Lord blessed me with a nice haul this year [see above, 7 rings!]. Every couple hours I'd hit the other tables fast and found rings!
Hopefully the country you live in might have a big show.. IF, if you can you should go.. Make sure you bring a very good loup,,maybe a Tardys hallmarks, and I guess with the phones now you will be able to look up hallmarks etc. Half the time the ring at a show will be expensive. You got to bring your negotiating skills with you if you want at least a fair price. You can also [if you have] bring a few small pieces of Militaria with you. I bring a couple badges/medals, a small piece of cloth, maybe some paper [soldbuch etc].. You can always offer a trade... IF you want the ring let them have the better of the deal. Or at least let them think they're getting the better of the deal,,remember,,you there to bring home a ring!!

- and last,,Maybe a jewelry show. Or a large jewelry store in your area. They are all buying gold and silver for scrap.. You go in and ask them to see the scrap pile OR if they have anything like this: Show they a photo of a dated WestWall ring. Avoid the Swas. and SS runes [at least first]. . 'you are looking for WW2 era mens rings, especially those with a military theme'. I've gotten lucky [with at least one piece] almost every year hitting the jewelry shows/large Jewelers..

Thats it for now. You guys know your always welcome to post your ideas, comments, photos..... Next posting,, 'The Real Problem'........