Post by neoptolemus on Apr 11, 2007 19:24:14 GMT -5
When people hear of Chinese reproductions, they might think of poorly made and inaccurate replicas, uniforms and gear sold solely as some sort of scam to poor Western saps who just want to save a buck.
Dealing with the ebay seller chinabest2006 (I know, strange name right?) I found great items, at low cost. From him, I ordered an M44 Feldgrau uniform set, an M43/44 Drill Erbsenmuster set, and an M35 helmet.
To begin with, the transaction was entirely over email, eBay was not involved. Because shipping costs are high on ANYTHING from China, I found that I had to limit my order as shipping cost more than the items (mind you, 40$ for a complete uniform is nearly a joke!). I settled on the Dot uniform and the short M44 tunic to which I am so attached, I also got an M35 finished in green with a size 59 liner. Following the transaction, which had their fair share of translation related difficulties (just deal with it, his prices are unbeatable). I had to wait quite a while for the items to arrive since I went via SAL shipping, which takes a LONG while. Just as I was thinking I had been taken advantage of, I discovered the package at my door containing the sealed uniforms and helmet in a nice cloth carrying bag.
I wasn't expecting much for the drill uniform; pea dot is a very difficult pattern to replicate due to the variations in color and pattern shapes that occur. When I first looked at the uniform, I was STUNNED. The definition is amazing and the the uniform cut itself is good as well. The only complaints I have are that for the pants' crotch buttons (what else do I call them?), all the holes aren't cut out. While the area where the hole is supposed to be cut are defined and strengthened in preparation for cutting, they aren't finished. I don't know how to explain this anomaly, but it shouldn't detract from the rest of the uniform.
The M44 is finished in just the same quality (with all button holes finished) and looks fantastic. The wool has a good texture that isn't itchy or scratchy even on bare skin, and is certainly breathable enough to use in warmer temperatures. I did have a problem with buttons though.
1) be careful about jacket button tops separating; they are made in two pieces and since the top piece is simply snapped over the bottom, it may become lose if hit. You can remedy this by putting CA glue on the lips of the lose ones so they permanently attach.
2) watch out for button attachments for suspenders! These can come lose if you pull at them too much while fiddling with your suspenders. I suggest you add some extra threads down to make sure you can count on them staying put.
Finally, the helmet is flawless! While I did have minor issues with the other items, the excellent detail goes so far as the fully crimped edges, a surprise luxury on a 40USD helmet. What's more, the liner is very comfortable and easily adjustable via the top lace or the chin strap.
I will post pictures of everything when I can, but my gear is kept at a friends house due to storage issues, and he doesn't really appreciate my constant attempts to go over there and photograph things for reviewing purposes.
this sellers email is:
tangfangfang2006@yahoo.com.cn
And he has a lot more inventory then his eBay account suggests, so hit him up with an email if you are interested in purchasing some uniforms, gear, or really anything German reproduction related.
Mind you, I am not a professional collector and so am unable to appraise how accurate these items really are. I am most familiar with modern Russian equipment and so my knowledge of German uniforms comes solely from my research when I do 1/35 models of various figures. Once I post photographs, judge for yourself the accuracy and worth of these reproductions, but for my purposes (playing airsoft in a '45 Charlemagne impression) I couldn't have asked for anything better.
If you do end up emailing him, tell him you were recommended by John so you can get the best possible prices on shipping; I hope my rather extensive communications with him can help you get a good deal.
Dealing with the ebay seller chinabest2006 (I know, strange name right?) I found great items, at low cost. From him, I ordered an M44 Feldgrau uniform set, an M43/44 Drill Erbsenmuster set, and an M35 helmet.
To begin with, the transaction was entirely over email, eBay was not involved. Because shipping costs are high on ANYTHING from China, I found that I had to limit my order as shipping cost more than the items (mind you, 40$ for a complete uniform is nearly a joke!). I settled on the Dot uniform and the short M44 tunic to which I am so attached, I also got an M35 finished in green with a size 59 liner. Following the transaction, which had their fair share of translation related difficulties (just deal with it, his prices are unbeatable). I had to wait quite a while for the items to arrive since I went via SAL shipping, which takes a LONG while. Just as I was thinking I had been taken advantage of, I discovered the package at my door containing the sealed uniforms and helmet in a nice cloth carrying bag.
I wasn't expecting much for the drill uniform; pea dot is a very difficult pattern to replicate due to the variations in color and pattern shapes that occur. When I first looked at the uniform, I was STUNNED. The definition is amazing and the the uniform cut itself is good as well. The only complaints I have are that for the pants' crotch buttons (what else do I call them?), all the holes aren't cut out. While the area where the hole is supposed to be cut are defined and strengthened in preparation for cutting, they aren't finished. I don't know how to explain this anomaly, but it shouldn't detract from the rest of the uniform.
The M44 is finished in just the same quality (with all button holes finished) and looks fantastic. The wool has a good texture that isn't itchy or scratchy even on bare skin, and is certainly breathable enough to use in warmer temperatures. I did have a problem with buttons though.
1) be careful about jacket button tops separating; they are made in two pieces and since the top piece is simply snapped over the bottom, it may become lose if hit. You can remedy this by putting CA glue on the lips of the lose ones so they permanently attach.
2) watch out for button attachments for suspenders! These can come lose if you pull at them too much while fiddling with your suspenders. I suggest you add some extra threads down to make sure you can count on them staying put.
Finally, the helmet is flawless! While I did have minor issues with the other items, the excellent detail goes so far as the fully crimped edges, a surprise luxury on a 40USD helmet. What's more, the liner is very comfortable and easily adjustable via the top lace or the chin strap.
I will post pictures of everything when I can, but my gear is kept at a friends house due to storage issues, and he doesn't really appreciate my constant attempts to go over there and photograph things for reviewing purposes.
this sellers email is:
tangfangfang2006@yahoo.com.cn
And he has a lot more inventory then his eBay account suggests, so hit him up with an email if you are interested in purchasing some uniforms, gear, or really anything German reproduction related.
Mind you, I am not a professional collector and so am unable to appraise how accurate these items really are. I am most familiar with modern Russian equipment and so my knowledge of German uniforms comes solely from my research when I do 1/35 models of various figures. Once I post photographs, judge for yourself the accuracy and worth of these reproductions, but for my purposes (playing airsoft in a '45 Charlemagne impression) I couldn't have asked for anything better.
If you do end up emailing him, tell him you were recommended by John so you can get the best possible prices on shipping; I hope my rather extensive communications with him can help you get a good deal.