Tuesday 25 March 2008

Ottoman Powder Measure

Although I am looking for valuable militaria and antiques all over Greece and abroad, one of the best pieces was found inside my grandmother's house.
In an antique SINGER sewing machine of the very early 20th century I found an object that I could not understand the use of it. It was brass with adjustable dossage and seemed a lot older than others.
I randomly saw a TV documentary on a new war museum in Salonika and I saw one piece like mine! As I looked up to it I found that it was used in Flintlock rifles of the early 18th century to measure the gun powder for the rifle.
I was thrilled and placed it in a very nice spot in my collection.

Any feedback on similar objects is wellcome and needed!
I will upload a photo very soon.

Saturday 22 March 2008

Anti Gas Ointment Box

This box was issued to my grandfather
It is a box that contained ointment
against poisonous gases. As the chemical
warfare was a possibility at the time (after WWI)
It is of UK origin.
More info on this item (that might belong to
my grand-grand father) will be appreciated.

Wehrmacht Buckle and Belt

This is a very good example of early
Wehmacht belt and buckle.
Buckle is quite rusty yet average in condition,
all accessories are in place, (to adjust length etc)
Leather in very good condition with all markings
in place of the manufacturer.

Luftwaffe Cutlery

This is detail from a table knife from the
officers mess in Heraklion.
Unfortunately the knife is broken yet the
marking is clear and the quality of the
stainless steel still excellent after all those
years.

Cigarette Pack "KORFU ROT"

This is a perfect, untouched (all cigarettes)
pack named "KORFU"
It came from a whole untouched box together
with matches.
All markings, clear and impressive.
Bought in Crete porbably rationed to military
personnel stationed in the area

Cigarette Pack Untouched

This is a cigarette pack, untouched, all cigarettes
and wraping.

Gold NSDAP Pin (reverse)

As you can see (although the photo is not very
good) the number of the pin is 450!!!!

Gold NSDAP Pin (small)

This is the most valued possesion of my
collection. A gold NSDAP Party pin
numbered 450. It belonged in a high
ranking official stationed for some time
in the island of Crete.
Any help to track down the owner will be
valued

KRETA CUFFTITLE

This KRETA Armband was bought
in Crete it is not in AA shape, yet is
clearly a true original as it was bought in
the place all happened...

Russia Campaign Medal

This is the Russia Campaign Medal, in top
condition, there are some stains in the ribbon
possibly and most likely blood.

British Freikorps

I have recently tracked down a very interesting collection of Armbands in a trader that I trust completely, he is in an isolated place and the possibility of faking any german WWII item is more costly than finding and selling originals.
Anyway, as this trader is located in the island of Crete he has access to relics left from German occupation which lasted quite long.
This collection includes a AFRIKA Luftwaffe armband, a Cufftitle AFRIKA with Palms and an interesting and controversial Britisches Freikorps armband.
I will buy the whole of these items plus a beautiful Luftwaffe rescue/observation/meteo personel clasp yet I am considering the case of the Freikorps.
Possibly it belonged to Courlander or someone of the captured ANZAC personel.
I will soon post the photos of my collection.
Please I will appreciate any ffedback concerning the items mentioned or the items that I will soon upload.

Sunday 16 March 2008

The Cretan State and the New Order

As I mentioned in a previous comment, my views on the Cretan State, a state that for a brief period existed in the island of Crete are all for the re-enaction if possible.
I received with pleasure a new comment on my views that was totally against this reenaction reminding me that the inhabitants of Crete gave their blood for the union with Greece, plus that the union agreement document exists in the historical museum of Heraklion and I can visit the museum and be informed.
I have no objection and it is absolutely certain that such a document exists.
Let me state that more than one of my ancestors served and gave their blood and life for Greece.
Also I am fully aware that the conditions in international relations are far more complex that of the early 20th century.
However I must express my strong belief that the disband of the Cretan State was planned and carried out by E. Venizelos whose historical decisions are not all to be accepted unquestionably.
This mistake to make "saints" some politicians is done all the time by the greek state and as a consequence we are coninuously losing ground in the international politics and in the diplomatic field as we are not accepting our historical mistakes and we are not learning out of them.
The disband of the cretan State and the union with Greece offered greece funds, army and resources in a difficult time.
The new conditions must be examined and cretan politicians (if any...) should consider the wealth the island is producing and what is taking back from the state...
Therefore we must be openminded (especially now that the international diplomatic conditions like Kossovo allow...).
As for the plan of the jews and the Americans I would strongly suggest to provide stronger and newer points as these are getting old and were never ever proved true...