WITTMANN MILITARIA PO Box 350 - 279 West Main Street - Moorestown, NJ 08057 856-866-8733(P) / 856-235-4954 (F)

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We get a lot of letters and comments from collectors and customers. We used to print them in our now sadly defunct "Wittmann Offering" catalog. We thought you would like to continue to read them on our Internet site. In some cases, there is editorial comment. We welcome comments, suggestions, and critism. We will also try to answer your questions where practical. If you do not want your subject matter or your name to appear in this column, just let us know.

I just wanted to let you know that I received the repaired Red Cross Leader's dagger yesterday and I just couldn't be more thrilled - it looks beautiful!! Thanks so much for taking the time to have the extra welding work done - I had NO idea he'd cut the tang too! Just shaking my head with disbelief that someone would do that to a piece of history. Well, thankfully, I had you to help me make things right. And thanks for the case - is very much appreciated and will be very handy!

I sent your check for the remaining balance of $315 yesterday, so you should have it soon. I can't thank you enough again for being willing to part out your own dagger to help repair mine. I'm sure my papa's smiling. Feels pretty amazing to have seen this through to the end - now I can pass it on to my own children with pride. Sending my deepest gratitude and wishing the best for you and yours. ,

Sincerely,
Paula Marshall

Sir

Your web site is an absolute delight to peruse. It puts the other national dealers to shame. My mentor is priviledged to know you. Almost every week there are new and interesting "goodies" to reward us. Keep up the good work. We need a class act like you.

Rockie

Want to thank you very much for taking the time to help me on finding out what my German Sword was. I know you are a very busy man and took the time to help me. It is very useful information that i could not find on my own. Again i THANK YOU.

tom, i want to thank you so very much for writing back with such in-depth answer. you went well beyond the call-of-duty. i can see why you are pivitol in this collectible area.

i have expertise in collectible and rare vinyl records and when i'm asked about an item, i try to be as definitive as you. like you, i strive to keep an unblemished reputation.

again, my sincerest thanks and if you do post remarks on your site, please consider this one.

respectfully,
tony powell
p'cola, fl

Tom/Deb

Thanks for giving me the chance to own this LOVELY Work of Art, JA Henckels, Army dagger. I can honestly say that there does NOT exist any nicer or more interesting “art work” than some of the pre-WWII era, early variety, German-made Army daggers. This one is “out of this world”. Superb condition as you stated AND rare to find (in this or any other condition). It has found a home……(My 3rd JA Henckels “full-size”; 2 Early examples and 1 mid period, aluminum fitted example with 2nd Style EPack aluminum fittings along with 2 miniatures by JA Henckels). I own a set of JA Henckels kitchen cutlery and every time I use it, I’m reminded of these pieces and the history that I so much enjoy.

Dear tom,

A little while back i had to cancel an order due to getting laid off from my workplace. I'm very sorry i had to do that and regret it much. I wanted to compliment debbie on how very nice and sypathetic she was at my situation and even gave me some good advise the same day i had lost my job. I managed to find some small work to do over the summer in my trade and managed through. I also had the time to read all of your books and have gained a ton of knowledge about dress daggers and swords, I must say i'm obsessed with collecting these items. I truly enjoy purchasing these items from you and appreciate the expertise that comes along with. I'm glad to say that i also got my job back at glaxosmithkline doing refrigeration and A/C work and i'm just about back on my feet again. Looks like theres going to be a lot of overtime coming up and i can't wait to start purchasing more items soon! Just wanted to say thanks again for your understanding and for debbies sympathy. I look forward to doing all of my business with you.

Regards,

Dear Mr. Wittmann,

I am writing this letter to thank you for the book-catalog that you sent me, I am not really a collector, I just wanted to make a one-time purchase of a helmet, to dress up a bust of Caeser Augustus that I have! I found what I was looking for, its a helmet nickmaned "Gladiators Helmet". It was issued to German fire fighters, anti-aircraft crews and other civilian groups during WWII. I think this helmet will go well with the busts armor breast plate.

I read all the stories about your family background, your hometown, and the families that recover thier family hierlooms with your help and cooperation. Not to forget the outstanding photographs and descriptions of all the artifacts you have for sale. I didn't really expect the personal attention you gave my request. To me it was an honor, and I will keep and treasure the book and letter. Again I thank you Mr. Wittmann and good-luck in all your endeavours.

Respectfully Yours,

I think you are the BEST dealer of German edged weapons and I just love your website. Your worthy competitor isn't bad, but I find your offerings more extensive and your descriptions far more informative. Thank you for the education!

Warmest Regards,

Tom advises a new collector:

Dear Jeff,

dear mr wittman,

thank you so much for your reply on my inquiries about the items i have, sorry it has taking me so long to reply and express my gratitude for devoting part of your time and effort to me, here in a couple of months when money permits i will be interested in purchasing a S A dagger and of course it will be purchased from your website, i go into your website probably 15 times a week either to compare something i have to your items or just to go there and daydream, im not married so i dont have anyone bugging me about how i spend my money, ja ja(dont know if thats a good thing). for your information your website is very aproachable and user friendly,the other people make you feel your having an audience with some king or something plus the prices are prohibitive,so with all this said again thanks for your kind words and your time and i will be doing some business soon with you.

Sr. Heredia

Tom,

Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your book," Exploring The Dress Daggers of the German Navy", which I purchased from you at the last SOS, what an indispensable reference for the collecting community.Not just an identification and description reference,the book also is full of historical facts that bring to life the period these daggers were produced.Everything about this book is first class and I definitely plan to add your other books to my library.

Thanks,
Garry Nelson
Baytown,Texas

Dear Mr. Wittman,

It is nice hearing from you, sir. I purchased a money order today to send you. I will drop it in the mail as soon as I hear that is acceptable to you.

Yes, I do enjoy reading your descriptions. I look at a variety of militaria sites but you, without question, are without equal when it comes to supplying detailed descriptions of what you are selling and in your overall excellent writing ability. I know I am conservative about this, but I am amazed when I see the poor spelling and grammar that seems to be common with many dealers in our hobby. Every word processing program includes a "spell checker" and when someone doesn't even bother checking something as basic as their spelling, it seems lazy to me. I wonder what else they have been lazy about--like checking authenticity for example? I have gotten much enjoyment reading your descriptions but maybe more importantly, it is obvious you know what you are talking about. I think that works to your advantage because most people would prefer to buy from someone whose opinions they trust. Plus, fo r me, part of the fun in collecting is in knowing the details about what is in my collection--supplying details is where you are head and shoulders above your competitors. Gosh, please excuse me, Mr. Wittmann--reading over what I've written, it almost sounds like I'm trying to "blow smoke up your panties". It's just that I've found people are quick to complain or critisize but slow to give compliments. I'm just trying to give credit where credit is due. Keep up the good work!

Robbin D. Rowe

Dear Tom,

Yes, I look forward to continue with you in the future. It only depends on my budget...as you can imagine... I must say that I am very pleased with the quality of the daggers you offer. But this remark will not surprise you.

As you know, I have the same age as you ( I just retired beginning of July), but a passionate collector has never finished collecting...and his collection is "infinite", because there is always something else to discover, even if we "know" all that CAN be collected. Our years of experience in this field are...priceless! Right? But we learn every day!

I really do "envy" you (not in the negative meaning), because you have managed to join at the same time your passion (I prefer this word than hobby, because it is more appropriate) of collecting...and doing business (your carreer). Making a living for one's family, together with the passion we love, is wonderful! And when I say that I envy you, I mean that this is what I should have done for my carreer! But I guess that "destiny" and circumstances of life lead you sometimes on another road...without you being able to change it!

My very first dagger, like 90% of those who start this collection, was an...SA dagger (a Puma). I bought it in october 1965.....42 years ago, when I was 23 years old (I have an excellent memory, and I can "see" the exact place and person who sold it to me). And a few weeks later...I had bought Atwood's book: "The Daggers and edged weapons of Hitler's Germany", the first real reference at the time...It's still on my book shelf, along with countless others, still intact as new, despite the countless hours that I spent reading it! That SA dagger (sold since, for a nicer one) cost me 180 francs at the time! Compared to now, that would be the equivalent of about 27 euros...or about 40 $ !! But that was almost 42 years ago!

By the way, speaking of the SA, someone told me that you were preparing a book just on the SA daggers, to continue the series of your 4 beautiful books on daggers. Please let me know when you expect to finish and publish this book, since... to my knowledge...there is NO book dealing exclusively (and exhaustively) with the SA dagger, because I am very impatient to have such a reference...missing in my book collection. I really need such a book! So just give me a clue when you expect to release it. I would like to be among the first ones who will acquire it (and have it autographed...) For the other books from you, I bought them before I knew your website, so I couldn't ask you to autograph them. Just before finishing my "long" digression, I want to say that I am very happy that there as such people as you in this particular "business". Of course, there is a "fierce" competition, and other people like your friend Tom Johnson, for example, or others like Craig Gottlieb (he has a fantastic website...but he's too expensive!) or Paul Hogle in Canada...just to name a few... are also very serious and honest dealers (and collectors), and also offer beautiful daggers, but that is the rule of the game in life. Everyone has the right to do what others do! Up to this day...concerning dealers in North America...I have only bought from you...and your friend...the other Tom!

Best regards, Tom, and also to Deb, she is a very efficient, reliable, and nice "secretary". I can imagine how precious she must be in your business...and life!

Rene Z. de K

My Dear Kind & Gracious Mr. Wittmann:

I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you one last time from the bottom of my heart for all the tremendous knowledge, assistance, and patience that you showed my family and I. It is rare to find someone as generous, gracious, and kind as you are. I sold both the daggers today on the germandaggers.com site. The SA went for $500 + shipping, insurance, and shared PayPal fees in what must have been a record three minutes from the time I posted it and the Eickhorn Army Dagger went another 30 minutes later for $900 + shipping, insurance, and shared PayPal fees. You were right on the money (quite literally) with the both of them. God bless you and know that my family and I will always be grateful.

Warmest regards,
Lesley Barton

Hello Mr. Wittmann,

I am sending you this short thank you e-mail for the SS dagger you had sent me with the exclamation point inscription. It had arrived several days ago however, with the relatives over, camping, and sightseeing involved in the whole affair, I have not had a chance to e-mail you. I thank you for this very special exhibit piece. I am most pleased with it and the quality as you described it in our e-mails. It is not quite on display yet because I am working on some other presentation pieces that need to be placed first. I'm sure that you can relate since I have enjoyed viewing your own private collection.

Your services are quite a class act right down to the satchel that you used to ship this beautiful specimen. I have accepted items in the past from others over the years, they were usually sent in tissue paper, and bubble wrap but never in their own mailing container. I thank you very much for the extra care in shipping and especially at working with me and my own unique collection practices. It is my sincere hope that you will allow me to do business with you again in the future in spite of me being one of those collectors who does not care for "time passage damage" to the items in question.

Until next time, take care and keep up the great work at taking care of history.

Regards,
Mr. George H. Froschl

Thanks to Tom Wittmann's authoritative book on Army daggers, I have decided to become a "type" collector (plenty of variety--crossguards, grips, manufacturers, personalizations, at a relatively reasonable price). So far, I have accumulated eight examples, all in excellent--mint condition.

Yours truly,
Phil Pucher

Hello Tom & Deb--

Just letting you know that the German WWII belt buckle arrived today & both my son & I think it's AWEsome! He is absolutely THRILLED with it! Thank you again so much for your kindness & your help!

Sincerely,
Jodie Manaigre

Dear Tom/Debbie,

Just dropping you a line to say I received the Early Chained SS dagger. I am very pleased with it. It is just as described. This dagger is surely the pride of my humble 3rd Reich dagger collection. I appreciate your Lay-A-Way plan which enabled me to purchase this dagger. Also, I just finished your book, "Exploring the Dress Daggers and Swords of the German SS". I truly enjoyed it and learned a lot. I am not only enjoying the dagger, but I consider it a good investment for the future. I look forward to further business.

Raymond Byrne
NY, NY.

Hi Tom,

I thought I would let you know how much your book, "Exploring the Dress Daggers of the German Army", has meant to me. Though I am relatively new to the hobby, your book has allowed me to stroll through gun shows and pawnshops with the confidence of a 30-year collector. Indeed, prior to the book, I would often walk away from bargains simply because I was not sure. Never again! I now recognize crossguard eagles at a glance, just like they were old friends. What a thrill it is to pick up an Army dagger for the first time, examine all the fittings, and reliably determine the maker before examining the blade - awesome!

Buying your book was the single most important thing that I could have done for the enjoyment of this hobby. And believe me, I have put it to good use. I have specialized in the early production daggers - the ones with the slanted grips and tapered tangs. As you point out in your book, the fittings of these early daggers often reflect beautiful hand detailing. I now have 17 distinct crossguard eagle types in my collection; all correct and all documented by your detailed illustrations. Using your book, I feel I simply cannot buy a bad Army dagger. I would never attend a show without it. Thanks again for opening up this wonderful new world for me.

Ford David Crews
Melbourne, Florida

Editorial comment - Boy is it great to hear stuff like this! It makes me feel I really hit the nail on the head with this book and provided a worthwhile pursuit for fellow collectors!! Thank you, thank you.

Dear Tom,

It was good to see you at last year's MAX Show. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all you do for the average collector. My wife and I had a nice little vacation around the show. I'm looking forward to the 2004 show at Charlotte Merchandise Mart.

Again, thanks for all you do.

Keith Took
Florissant, Mo.

Dear Tom and Debbie,

Just a note to thank you both so much for all your efforts in helping me build a museum quality collection of 3rd Reich edged weapons. In the last year I have purchased eight exceptional knives/daggers/swords from your company and these items are the highlights of all my collecting efforts. The "mint" and "mint minus" items that you have sold me are second to none, and defy comparison to any competition. I have no concerns about authenticity, or originality when dealing with you, and that eases the way for the expenses involved. Thank you again and I remain, well into the future, your most loyal customer!

Dan Bryant
Huntingtown, Md.

Dear Tom,

Many thanks for helping me to identify the sword in my possession - you set me on the correct path. My first search of Romanian swords turned up the crest (which was on this piece), so you were spot-on! I can not thank you enough for taking the time to help.

David
Via Email

Dear Tom,

Hope all is going well with you and I am very pleased with my Chained SS daggers. I have just acquired a Böker SS EM dagger with a serial number.

Thank you for taking the time to look up the number and for telling me how to research it further. Your SS book, "Exploring the Daggers and Swords of the German-SS" is incredible. I enjoyed the introduction by Dave Hohaus - very scholarly indeed!

John Kauffeld
Bradentown, Fla.

Hi Tom,

You might remember me. I was the truck driver for ALCOM printing, the company which prints your books. I met you about four years ago when I delivered your (recently completed) reference books and you were nice enough to show me your collection. I purchased a couple of edged weapons from you shortly afterwards and I am still collecting to this day. I owe it to you for opening up a whole new interest in German WWII history. Now, most of my free time is spent reading books or watching documentaries on the History Channel. Thank you for taking the time to show me your wonderful collection and thereby opening my life to a fascinating hobby!

Tim Vogrin
Via Email

Dear Herr Generaloberst,

I want to thank you for the wonderful Christmas Card. My family enjoyed it. I appreciate your thinking of me.

Richard Williams
Houston, Tx.

Dear Mr. Wittmann,

While I appreciate your sentiment for a happy holiday greeting, I feel this "card" is totally inappropriate for the holiday season, highly offensive and just in plain poor taste!

I was shocked when I opened it, and my husband, who is also a collector of military items, also agreed.

May your New Year be filled with better judgment!

Jane Cameron

Editorial comment - It is interesting how people can collect these items which represent Nazi Germany, but God help you if you somehow mix the holiday season with a German uniform. I guess I just have no tact, but an awful lot of collectors seem to like my Xmas cards as they tell me all the time. Maybe I should stop? Do some of you find my Xmas cards offensive? I think I'm just having fun with the hobby. Let me know.

Morning folks:

Helmet arrived today safe and sound thanks to your hookup on the Customs declaration! Very much appreciated by your cousins to the North. Great helmet! Very happy with it. A great addition to my collection.

Bryan Avery
Via Email

Tom,

Today, the Naval dagger, Luftwaffe portepee and Army hanger arrived without any damage. It has been a pleasure doing business with an outstanding dealer. I will talk to you at future shows.

Ken Balczo
Via Email

Dear Tom,

Enclosed please find a payment to be applied to my sword account. Take care and a million thanks for your advice on that bogus Diplomatic sword. Many folks would have bought this one if they didn't have an honest and trusted friend like you to ask for help. You saved me some real dough and more than a little heartache as well.

Larry Redgate
Las Vegas

Hello Mr. Wittmann,

I received your letter and the dagger just the other day. I am very grateful that you sent me a letter and the brochures that came with the dagger. Also, I really love the zipper case you sent the dagger in. I was very happy to see that. The dagger itself is a beauty. It is the first one I have ever owned. I plan on doing business with you in the future. Thank you very much.

Luke
Via Email

Dear Sir,

Thank you for processing and sending out my order. I am sorry I did not get back to you earlier, but I was sick. This dagger was my boyfriend's birthday present and he loved it! The zipper case was also great. I knew your company was the one to deal with. You made everything wonderful. Thanks again and I will be back!

Mary Pickeral
Via Email

Dear Tom,

I have a theory concerning the edged weapons market "tightening up". All of the early works on daggers - references that is - were pretty bland and subsequent writers perpetrated many of the misconceptions and to some degree made it worse with further anomolies. Then along comes Wittmann and blows them all away and the collector/owner's eyes and minds are opened. "Wow I've got something here after all - I'd better keep this", or "I should ask more money for this as Wittmann says so". Seriously, I know one British writer from the past who still gets mileage out of his errors - I saw him signing autographs already just the other week!

Doug Pratt
United Kingdom

To Debbie B. & Thomas W.

I wanted to let you know that I got my Heer dagger in the mail on Tuesday, and that I absolutely LOVE it!! It's beautiful!!! I wanted to thank you both. I also wanted to thank you for the nice zipper case you sent it in. That was especially thoughtful. I want to get a 2nd Model Luftwaffe next and I have it narrowed down to about 4 or 5. I'll be in touch.

Warren F. Lee
Tucson, Az.

Dear Tom,

I feel I must write back and thank you for your boundless genorosity. I know you probably won't remember, and if you do, you are probably too modest to say so. But, a couple of years ago, I rang you to see if you had a portepee for my 2nd Pattern Bahnschutz dagger. You did not have one at the time, so I asked if you had a re-pro for sale. Your reply was, "I do not sell repros, but I have one that you can have for free." I was amazed, but may I add, not so surprised. I have great fondness for the American people and their generosity and you sir, are no exception. During the 1960s and beyond, I was a regular visitor to the USA as a merchant seaman. The people of Chicago and a few other other ports and places thought nothing of coming down to the dock area where our ship was berthed and inviting men they had never met in their lives to come to their homes for the evening where they were made more than welcome with endless generosity. I think the British people are so fortunate in having a true relationship as allies with the American people. Today I received your free sample copy, (duly signed as requested), of the "Wittmann Offering". Once again, your generosity shines through without any vested interest what so ever. I mean it when I say, "God bless you and America.

Michael Reid
Ramsbottom, England

Dear Tom,

I am going to write you in to receive my vote for President, Man of the Decade, and the "One hell of a Guy" award. Having just read the "Banter", I am just awed by your character, insight and fearless honesty. You are the type of man I wish that I could be. I would appreciate it if your next "Banter" would include some of your flaws so that I could feel just a little better about myself. You and I have done tens of thousands of dollar's worth of business over the years, and I could not have been more satisfied in all regards. And a special thanks for all the times you went out of your way to help me. Tom, stay healthy, prosper and experience contentment.

Rod Teague
Calafornia

Dear Tom,

I just heard the news that you have ended the "Wittmann Offering" program and everything from now on will be internet only. Although I understand the business aspect of this decision, I must tell you how much I have enjoyed and benefitted from your printed sales catalogs over the years. I still have your typed sales list from January 1986 and I have every one of your catalogs in my research library. I must say that over the years I have utilized your catalogs as my main reference source. When I wanted to determine whether the scabbard fittings or crossguard on my Pack SA dagger were correct, I turned to your catalogs for the answers. No reference books had this information. For that reason I will forever be indebted to your efforts and the detailed descriptions that you presented in your catalogs. The problem with the internet is that there is almost no way to preserve the permanent record to be used later as a reference. Anyway, I wish you all the best with the internet program and hope that it works out well for your business. I will forever rely on your past catalogs!

John Pearson
Tuluca Lake, Ca.

Hi Tom,

I just wanted to let you know that the replacement Eickhorn 2nd Model Luftwaffe arrive yesterday. This dagger is exactly what I was looking for. It is a GREAT piece and I am very happy with it! Please be aware that I am most appreciative of your willingness to work with me on finding "the right one". You are indeed a credit to this hobby and I want to take the time to let you know my humble opinion. Thanks again.

Robert A. Yoder II,BR> Elkhart, IN

Hi Tom,

Just got back from vacation and wanted you to know the SA Full R÷hm returned safe and sound. I hope it will be of some use to you in your upcoming reference. (It will be very exciting to see my dagger in a reference!) I also wanted to say, "OUTSTANDING job", on the full set of your reference books that I bought from you. They are one of, if not the best presented references in my library of over 100 books! I am mostly a uniform and cloth guy, but I immensely enjoyed these references even though I am extremely jealous over some of the stuff people have in their collections. What was I thinking 20 years ago when I still could get stuff like that!! Ha!

Tony Donofrio
Philadelphia, Pa.

Dear Tom,

I spent half an hour reading your Summer Banter and I am very happy I did so. It was a perfect mixture of interesting points about our hobby and of touching, even moving moments. I lost my father in early July 2000 due to a brain hemorrage following a long stint with Parkinson's, where the doctor's gave him the wrong drugs for a while which caused hallucinations. (It is a weird feeling to sit with your father while he calmly talks about little people dismounting the coffee table). I am glad you were spared that. Your father sounds like a fine man with a lot of strength. I dont' mean to sadden you but after 4 years I have not fully recovered and this is partly due to the fact that I was living abroad for the last 18 years of his life and I still miss the time we did not have together.

Aside from these deep, magic and touching things, I enjoyed your Banter and good humour and look forward to many more of these in the years to come - and please - do not stop telling us about your personal health or about Moorestown. It is a pretty little window into someone else's life, into the life of someone whom we all respect deeply for the dedication you put into the things you do and for the genuine emotional value of your words. Thank you, it was an enjoyable half an hour.

Massimo
Switzerland