Latest Acquisitions

I was wearing one at the training day and you didn't notice.

DAMN rasted fasted stuff n fluff or whatever it is muttley says I do try to make a habit of groping the uniforms I'm doing research Che HONEST

SPEARHEAD - sore point with me at the mo -

My dot 44 outfit that they sent me the wrong version of - and, to be fair, compensated me for - has already started to fall apart on me. Wore it to Detling yesterday, just to walk around in, NOT to fall over and roll about in - both of the lower patch pockets on the tunic have started to come away at the seams, and when I took my shoulder boards off in readiness for chucking it in the wash to fade it a bit, one of the buttons broke off its shank!

And its not a patch on the quality of some of the other stuff available from the likes of Militaria-net, or even SOmF - it's an old adage, but often so true, you get what you pay for -

Also, whilst at Detling, picked up a pair of LAH mans shoulder boards and an entrenching tool -

SPEARHEAD - sore point with me at the mo -

My dot 44 outfit that they sent me the wrong version of - and, to be fair, compensated me for - has already started to fall apart on me. Wore it to Detling yesterday, just to walk around in, NOT to fall over and roll about in - both of the lower patch pockets on the tunic have started to come away at the seams, and when I took my shoulder boards off in readiness for chucking it in the wash to fade it a bit, one of the buttons broke off its
And its not a patch on the quality of some of the other stuff available from the likes of Militaria-net, or even SOmF - it's an old adage, but often so shank!
true, you get what you pay for -

Also, whilst at Detling, picked up a pair of LAH mans shoulder boards and an entrenching tool -

Great i have just purchesed DOT 44 tunic and trousers from Spearhead Hope mine dont do the same.

SPEARHEAD - sore point with me at the mo -

My dot 44 outfit that they sent me the wrong version of - and, to be fair, compensated me for - has already started to fall apart on me. Wore it to Detling yesterday, just to walk around in, NOT to fall over and roll about in - both of the lower patch pockets on the tunic have started to come away at the seams, and when I took my shoulder boards off in readiness for chucking it in the wash to fade it a bit, one of the buttons broke off its shank!

And its not a patch on the quality of some of the other stuff available from the likes of Militaria-net, or even SOmF - it's an old adage, but often so true, you get what you pay for -

Also, whilst at Detling, picked up a pair of LAH mans shoulder boards and an entrenching tool -

if it's any consolation, genuine late war stuff was very poorly made too. field repairs just make it look more authentic!

i've also found that the buttons on pretty much all of the chinese repro's i've had were poorly fitted, first thing i've done on them was re-stitch all the buttons on properly.

Helga actually says on SBG site that basic kit costs £500 and another £500 for all the trimmings...

Helga actually says on SBG site that basic kit costs £500 and another £500 for all the trimmings...

Ha ha ha thats made my day pmsl so Mr Sweeneys only research was SBG then HA ha ha HA ha ha HA ha ha oh dear how the mighty fall pmsl

I assume SBG version of basic kit and Mr Sweeney saying on tv the trousers and jacket alone are valued at £500 are two different things Theres will include insignia, e-tool, gas canister, mag pouches whatever. Oh someone really should have learned to read before opening his mouth or indeed looked elsewhere on the net, the mans a joke

I'm just shocked that you pay next to nothing for this chinese/Hong Kong gear and then expect it to last? They are 'dressing up' quality at best, the ones I own have had needed so much work, replacing, not resewing, buttons, work on seams and details, the wool is always thin and they make so many fantasy items it's not even funny anymore. The supplied insignia is dustbin quality. This isn't stitch counting it's a comment on quality, dont start me on the cut and styling.
Hmm, Militaria.net.....Mr.Hole used to get some of his uniforms from these very same far eastern suppliers, I've bought a couple of bits from him. Looking over his stall at Beltring I'd say he still does to some degree. I'm not suggesting thats a bad thing, just that you should be aware.

See I have a HK set and whislt I've had to restitch them on the posterior I don't think even original trews would have stood up to being savaged by a rogue tree menacing a branch at my posterior the rest of the quality is as seamwork goes good. If it was bike gear I'd expect double stitching but not from a uniform (note I've double stitch the offending area so my modesty is for now maintained )

My only bug bear is the sizing am pretty sure all narrow waisted men don't have short legs, much as those of a more grandeur figure have long legs. Hoping to custom make myself some kit over winter once I find suitable fabric then if it all goes pearshaped I can blame myself but unless I do I'm going to seriously struggle with further impressions Fallschy smocks are minimum 46" I'd be drowned ffs and thats small

if it's any consolation, genuine late war stuff was very poorly made too. field repairs just make it look more authentic!

I've also found that the buttons on pretty much all of the chinese repro's I've had were poorly fitted, first thing I've done on them was re-stitch all the buttons on properly.

I know that first comment was made somewhat tongue in cheek. As for the buttons, yeah I too have decided to get them all sewn on a little more securely - but the one I refer to actually broke in half, the top came away from the metal ring that holds it onto the tunic. I will be buying uniform from UK dealers in future, or maybe from the US if I can find it at reasonable prices -

I'm just shocked that you pay next to nothing for this chinese/Hong Kong gear and then expect it to last? They are 'dressing up' quality at best, the ones I own have had needed so much work, replacing, not resewing, buttons, work on seams and details, the wool is always thin and they make so many fantasy items it's not even funny anymore. The supplied insignia is dustbin quality. This isn't stitch counting it's a comment on quality, dont start me on the cut and styling.
Hmm, Militaria.net.....Mr.Hole used to get some of his uniforms from these very same far eastern suppliers, I've bought a couple of bits from him. Looking over his stall at Beltring I'd say he still does to some degree. I'm not suggesting thats a bad thing, just that you should be aware.

I will chalk it up to experience and count it as a lesson well and truly learned. I made no comment about expecting it to last, but whatever I buy with my 'hard earned' I don't expect it to start falling to pieces the very first time I use it, especially when I'm not giving it a battering. As for it being 'dressing up' quality at best, well having bought it I'd have to say it ain't great, however, it certainly isn't advertised as such - far from it - hence the disappointment and mild annoyance -

I've skirmished in both my canvas and my wool uniforms from Spearhead. I've repeatedly crawled through undergrowth, got soaking wet and dirty. The only problems I've encountered are a couple of buttons coming loose.

Must admit, it's been buttons on my stuff from Spearhead. So bad, I ordered 20 spare buttons online a couple of weeks ago lol

no probs as yet with buttons on my tunic but its a keith one, Che lost a a button on his epaulette and one on his tunic but as I'd bought two that were bigger than those already on his shoulders I replaced both and the old tunic one went back on the jacket as a replacement.

Simple solution put some extra stitches in yourself, costs very little and then you'll know they more secure

I've switched to using S hooks instead of sewing, they seem a lot stronger although you run the risk of ripping the cloth if they do get stuck . No idea how authentic it is

linky to buy cheaply

Same bloke does cheap buttons too ! (SOF = £1 button FFS)

My stuff from spearhead and sue sue got soaked, slept in crawled about in and roasted by the fire and its stil in perfect nick.. perhaps you just got a bad set?

Getting back on topic, have just ordered an ACM Thompson and some extra MP40 mags from RSOV before the VCR bill comes in!

Also arrived today, K98 front sight blades and a K98 rear sight.

Haven't bought anything for over a week....just waiting for my creditcard bill to process before I'll be purchasing some more stuff

Nothing from Jerry at WPG, I'm starting to think my email-order didn't get through

Another pair of baggy riding trousers this time in wool to match my wool tunic. I've now got three lots of German uniform , I know i'M playing at it by Kermit/Majors standards but may have to have a think about buying anymore

Just received my 29th ID helmet decal, to be applied after I've got round to painting and texturising my helmet.

Also was just given a bill from TNT, which was charged to the hospital where I work. Oops, need to sort that...

The lovely fellows at Parcel Force (sounds like an elite crime fighting team from one of those cartoons) just banged on my door with a big sellotape covered box with 1x AGM MP40 with Bakelite bits on it, thus far very happy with it though I don't trust the Chinese battery and have to wait until mid day when I go to my mates house (he has plenty of mini batteries) to shoot it and see if it works where it counts.