CONTEMP #34753 Swords of Germany 1900-1945 – John R. Angolia

This sword book written by Angolia is copyright 1988 and basically is the “bible” of swords as nothing has been done that is as inclusive as this reference book since. It pictures about 90% of all of the sword types and models that were made by the various manufacturers. It is an absolute “must” for collectors including swords in their collection. The book is 495 pages and also includes a copy of the imperial WKC catalog, a great indispensible manner to identify imperial swords. The book also includes etched blades and many of the accoutrements that were worn to wear and suspend swords. The material is extremely well researched and is a great book if you just want to read it from cover to cover. It is amazing the amount of knowledge and research that John Angolia has been able to do over the years. He has been a real boon to collectors with his efforts and I can’t tell you how valuable his references have been to me personally as well as the collecting community. This book has been out of print for many years and this is a fine opportunity to upgrade your library if you don’t have a copy.

Near Mint. $150.00

CONTEMP #34754 Inside the Allgemeine-SS 1925/1945 - Ulric of England

Ulric of England has out done himself with this outstanding reference.This hardback book with dust cover is 425 pages of very thrilling photography, period photos and some of the greatest SS artifacts ever turned up. The chapters cover such interesting topics concerning the organization of the Allegeime-SS, SS Religion, Ancestral Heritage, SS Weddings and Funerals, Leadership Schools, Deathhead Formations, Wewelsberg Castle and much much more. There are outstanding SS edged weapons, uniforms, gorgets, art, standartes, Allach porcelain, SS Honor Rings - literally everything that was connected to the SS. The cover is 12" X 9". If you want to learn something and at the same time enjoy the spectacle of some of the most imposing Militaria ever seen, I highly recommend this book. You will not be able to put the book down!

$95.00

CONTEMP #34727 2012 MAX Show Program

Although this program is not really a reference it is a great way to know what is going on in our hobby and also to get a great glimpse at the 2012 Max Show. The program is 160 pages being an all color publication put together each year for the Max Show by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas M. Johnson. There are a myriad of photos showing collectors attending the show, the merchandise at the show and great articles that you will enjoy reading. If you are interested in the hobby and what is going on currently you will learn a lot from this program. In addition there are many full color ads by the top dealers in the world and this will also be a good means to get in contact with people as the ads all include emails and phone numbers. Most collectors agree that the programs are of high enough quality that they deserve a place in their respective library. These programs are very inexpensive and most enjoyable to look through and read.

Mint. $12.00, Domestic Post Paid

CONTEMP #34335 Hitler Close Up – Gerhard Stalling

This hardback book measures 10½ inches by 8½ inches. It probably had a dust cover but this has gone to time. This book is quite interesting composed of 223 pages which feature Hoffmann photos of Hitler’s inner circle, visitors to residences and photographs of Führer headquarters. There are many people shown in these photographs that we don’t ordinarily see in the normal propaganda books. There are a couple of photographs of Hitler’s niece Geli Raubel, lots of pictures of Eva Braun, Dr. Morrell, etc. Even though this book was first published in 1973 there is still something to learn looking through all of the great photographs with identifying captions.

Excellent. $35.00

CONTEMP #33355 German Swords and Daggers - Xu Xin

This nearly 300 page full color reference is the first serious effort by the Chinese to promote German edged weapons in China. The author, Xu Xin (better known as Adam) has gone to great lengths to take photographs of many rare and beautiful Imperial as well as Third Reich edged weapons. His purpose with this reference is to introduce Chinese collectors to the workmanship and the elegance of the swords and daggers made for Imperial and Third Reich Germany. Although the captions are all in Chinese, it does not take much understanding to comprehend beautiful photography and color. The book is nominally priced and is a bargain considering the pleasure and value you will receive looking at these beautiful photographs for many years to come. It is also a good opportunity to support our hobby in Asia, as the Chinese are doing quite well and on their way to a sound middle class society. There is no reason why they will not grow to appreciate the hobby as much as we do in the west. The book measures 10¼” x 10¼” with hard back and color dust cover. An excellent value.

$80.00

CONTEMP #27192C Their Honor Was Loyalty! – Jost W. Schneider

This outstanding reference lists all of the SS and police knight’s cross holders. The book has 480 pages and each addition shows a photograph of the knight’s cross recipient and gives his career history in German as well as the English language. This reference book is indispensable and is a true asset to any serious collector’s library. It is hard cover, measuring about 9½” x 6½”.

Excellent Plus. $150.00

CONTEMP #27520C Rommel, A Narrative and Pictoral History - Richard D. Law

This Bender-published book measures 9½” x 6½”. It is a complete history heavily illustrated of Rommel’s life and times. It is a great book that reads almost like a novel. Rommel was truly Germany’s greatest field marshal and was highly intelligent regarding state politics and the treatment of all people. The book follows his days as an Imperial officer all the way to the end when he was forced to commit suicide by Hitler on 14 Oktober 1944. The book is 368 pages.

Excellent Plus. $60.00

CONTEMP #32861 The Hitler Albums – Roger Bender

This 11.5” x 8” hard back reference has a brown leatherette style cover with gold embossed political eagle bordered by oak leaves. It chronicles the state visit of Mussolini to Germany on September 25 – 29, 1937. It has 140 pages of absolute outstanding photographs, most of which are probably attributable to Hoffmann. In addition to all of the photographs showing the parades, speeches and buildings of Berlin, there is also great text describing the events. At this time in German history, Hitler was still very interested in Italy’s friendship and Mussolini as an ally was extremely important. There are many, many photographs which detail outstanding uniforms and edged weapons being worn. A stimulating book here, printed in 1970 being a first edition.

Excellent Plus. $75.00

CONTEMP #32863 Flags and Standards of the Third Reich – Brian Leigh Davis

This hard back book with dust cover is in the 8.5” x 11” format. It consists of 160 pages having both black and white and color. It covers all of the Wehrmacht flags as well as illustrates their usage in many outstanding period photos. I have used this reference book for many years in conjunction with my lists and website. I find it to be extremely useful and 100% accurate. This book was printed in 1975 in Great Britain.

Excellent Plus. $95.00

CONTEMP #32818C Otto Und Karolina Gahr - Arthur Meyer/Heinrich Schild

This reference book is all in German and although it is contemporary, printed in the 1990’s, it is extremely difficult to acquire as only a few hundred were printed. This particular book is signed Arthur Meyer and is No. 82. The book has 111 pages and details the work and many artifacts produced by the NSDAP Party jewelers, Otto Und Karolina Gahr. As most collectors know, the Gahr’s were responsible for the production of the infamous Deutschland Erwache standarte tops, the SS Honor Ring, and the SS Honor Sword hilt, among a few. Their style and quality apparently appealed to Hitler early on, and he chose the Gahrs as the Party jewelers. This book details lots of in-process works in the Gahr workshop, as well as many of the beautiful pieces that they finished during their 3rd Reich tenure. To an SS collector, this book is absolutely indispensable and impossible to find. The photography is outstanding throughout, and the book is in near full mint condition. This book was consigned to me by an SS collector who is in need of money. That’s the reason he is selling the book. From what I understand, these are impossible to acquire.

Near Mint. $995.00

CONTEMP #32415C The Hitler Youth / Origins and Development 1922-1945 - H.W. Koch

This book approaches the subject of a paramilitary boys' group with a very British, terse style, refreshingly objective and enjoyable to read, if a person is motivated to understand the youth of 1920's-1930's Germany. The author, born in Munich, documents his sources and reproduces interviews of the ordinary boys of that time. The idea of a "youth movement" (Jugendbewegung) separate from the lives of adults, whether working class, peasant or middle class, was a relatively new phenomenon. The chance for comradeship, adventure, sport, self-reliance and escape from adults, in addition to the call "back to nature", was a major influence in these boys' choice to join. Canoeing, camping, model plane building, hosteling, singing, hiking, biking, javelin-throwing, sailing, picnicking, barbequing, summer "marching" through the byways of the Rhine Valley... All of these communal activities attracted boys from every social strata, and strengthened their allegiance to the idea of a nation, Germany, instead of their region, such as Bavaria, or to a religion, city or class level. Of course, what the Nazis had in mind was to prepare the young boys for a future soldier's life of self-sacrifice, hard grit and group effort, for the sake of the new national ideals. Germany was no longer a collection of different dukedoms with separate customs, cuisines and dialects; it should be a land of "ein Volk". Hierarchy and obedience to a leader were paramount in uniting them. This particular volume is in fine shape and retains its dust jacket.

Excellent. $35.00

CONTEMP #32418 A Hitler Youth - Henry Metelmann

An autobiography of a railway worker's son who joined the Hitler Youth at the age of 12. Metelmann's decision to join the HJ was passionately opposed by his parents, and the conflict between his Nazism and his father's socialism is a central theme. Opening in pre-Nazi Hamburg, this title covers all aspects of life in this strongly socialist, working class community. This settled society was disrupted by the arrival of the Nazis who used violence, propoganda, and skillfully orchestrated gatherings and marches to achieve total political dominence. The author gives an account of the beating and intimidation of individual opponents of the Nazi regime, and the climate of fear and violence which gradually transformed his family, friends, and local community. We see the rise of Hitler and the terrible consequences that followed through this detailed and sometimes painfully honest personal account.

Excellent Plus. $45.00

CONTEMP #32416C Iron Fist / Classic Armored Warfare Case Studies - Bryann Perrett

Since its development in the early 20th century, the armored tank has played an pivotal role in warfare. This title examines the evolution of these vehicles, their effects on the science of war, as well the ways battle has shaped the tank. Perret selects the prime examples of armored action from the two World Wars, the Middle East, Vietnam, and the Gulf War, and vividly re-creates the swirling chaos of the battlefield, all the while telling the story of mechanized armor. Among the compelling case studies: 1991's Operation Desert Sabre in Kuwait. In hardcover with dust jacket.

Excellent Plus. $35.00

CONTEMP #32417C Deutschland Erwache - Ulric of England

The end result of over a decade of research by Ulric of England, this title studies in great detail the famous "Germany Awake" Standards. It is very interesting look at how the evolution of this now legendary Nazi icon was affected by the changing policies and attitudes of the turbulent regime, complete with over 700 period photographs. This particular copy is in mint condtion.

Mint. $75.00

CONTEMP #32414C Labor Organizations of the Third Reich - Angolia and Littlejohn

This deluxe hardbound, mint condition book continues the traditon of excellence readers have come to expect from John Angolia. A comprehensive study of German Labor Organiztions and their eventual absorption into the Nazi Party, this title features more than 1,500 photographs across 560 pages, many never before seen. The flags, awards, uniforms and insignia, as well as the complex history of organizations such as the RAD, NSBO, Strength Through Joy and others are extensively detailed. This is quite possibly the definitive work on the subject, and an absolute must for collectors and miltary historians alike.

Mint. $55.00

CONTEMP #31621C Flags and Banners of the Third Reich - A. S. Walker

A softcover title detailing the rich panoply of Third Reich flags. Germany was simply awash in flags during this period of history, producing a truly amazing variety of styles Examples from all branches of the German military and political organizations are represented, as well as the various accoutrements of the soldiers serving as standard bearers. In addition, pole tops and finials are examined as well. This book is very heavy on the photographs, with some excellent period close-ups, as well as detailed full color line art. Some mild discoloration is evident on certain pages, but this book is in otherwise excellent shape, especially for a softcover.

Excellent Plus. $100.00

CONTEMP #27530C Les Armes Blanches Du III^e Reich - Dominique Venner

This is a French language title detailing the edged weapons of the Third Reich. Unfortunately, my knowledge of French does not extend much further than "Bonjour!", "Comment allez-vous?", and "Est-ce que vous parlez anglais?" so writing an accurate description has been a bit tricky. This book is in hard cover format with the dust jacket intact. There is only very minor wear evident throughout. A reasonably rare title for the miltary minded Francophone.

Excellent. $65.00

CONTEMP #25818 SS Uniforms, Insignia & Accoutrements - Arthur Hayes

This huge, hard back reference book has just been released andit is a real crowd pleaser. Finally, SS collectors have their wish - there are thousands of SS items illustrated in full color in hundreds of "killer" photos. This book will grab the viewer totally. Just opening the cover causes instant captivation! The color work is the best you see. Illustrated with lots of close-up photography are such tremendous things as totally original and untouched, SS swords, daggers, bayonets, uniforms, headgear, helmets, pistols, collar tabs and cuff titles, and even honor rings - virtually everything the SS used or wore. Absolutely first rate throughout, printed on quality gloss paper - total money-back guarantee if you are not simply ecstatic with this book. If you want color photos of the best stuff there is, I can not say enough about this book - 248 pages in 11" x 9" format with dust cover.

$70.00

CONTEMP #31632 Swords of Germany 1900/1945 - John R. Angolia

Another excellent Angolia title, this time focusing in specifically on German swords, from the Imperial Period through the Third Reich. The author continues his tradition of excellence with nearly 500 pages of in-depth study and detailed photography. This book is a hardbound version and does show some wear, but that is very common with Angolia titles as they are reached for again and again. First published in 1988, it is long out of print and becoming a chore to locate.

Good. $150.00

CONTEMP #32373 Third Reich Daggers 1933/1945 - J.A. Bowen

A hefty book, topping out at nearly 500 pages, and in mint condition. Sadly, the author seems to favor quantity over quality with this attempt to "expose" German dagger reproductions. An awkward amateur effort simply riddled with errata, guesswork, and wild assumptions, this title is of questionable value for collecting purposes. However, all libraries benefit from a few controversial, off-the-wall titles, a role this book will fill nicely. Includes excellent illustrations by military artist Brian Molloy.

Mint. $75.00

CONTEMP #27376 Dress and Field Service Hats of the Third Reich - Tom Shutt

Collecting 3rd Reich headgear is very challenging, as the market is simply awash in fakes, reproductions, and "cobbled together" pieces. As such, the hat enthusiast needs the best available resources at hand to help him distinguish the genuine articles, as opposed to something stitched together in a Czechoslovakian basement last Tuesday. This work excels to taking a wildly complex topic and presenting it in a clearly understood manner, something more modern books on the subject often fail to do. Correct piping, insignia, liners, and more are all touched upon. This copy has a touch to wear to the dust jacket, but is in otherwise excellent shape.

Excellent. $110.00

CONTEMP #30427 History Writ In Steel - L. Donald Maus

The product of over five years of data collection and detailed research, this book is an excellent example of a high quality reference text, and arguably the ultimate resource on the subject of German Police markings. The amount of information crammed between the covers of this full sized, hardbound volume is simply amazing, with 384 pages of full color photographs and extensive tables detailing over 2300 observed police weapon markings, not to mention the expert author commentary. Police gear is a broad topic, and Maus presents something for everyone in this work. From pistols and holster rigs to bayonets and sabers, if it was carried by the polizei in Germany chances are you can find it here. From an investors persepective, serious collectors of edged weapons and firearms know that provenance is everything, and knowing the past and pedigree of an artifact has a serious impact on the value of the item. If you have marked and numbered police items in your collection, such as bayonets with property marks, this book will prove an invaluable aid in shedding some light on their history. For updated information and errata regarding History Writ In Steel, visit the author's website.

$85.00

CONTEMP #25849 Deutsche Uniformen und Seitengewehre (German Uniforms & Bayonets 1841/1945) - Claus Lübbe

This is a great hardback reference for the collector wanting to identify the German uniforms and bayonets of all periods covering Imperial through Third Reich Period. There are over 650 fantastic, clearly defined photographs showing uniforms and bayonets, guns, swords, and medals in-wear. Many of the clear photos show blow-ups of the edged weapons themselves. There are 161 Pages. All captions are labeled both in German and in English. I have learned a lot about German uniforms, regiments, spiked helmets, and bayonet varieties just looking at these photos, and you will too.

$50.00

CONTEMP #30299 Daggers, Bayonets & Fighting Knives of Hitler's Germany - Maj. John R. Angolia

The collector just can not be in the hobby without a copy of this Angolia book, known as his "first dagger book". This 6 X 9 hardback is loaded with text and photos of edged weapons as well as many "in-wear" shots. The insight and knowledge of Major Angolia is astounding, especially considering that this back was written way back in 1971. It is 336 pages of knowledge. It totally details all dagger types, and is written in a casual, easy to understand manner. It will provided hours of great, on-the-money reading, and is highly recommended.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $185.00

CONTEMP #15747 Edged Weapons of the Third Reich - Frederick J. Stephens

A 128 page hardcover reference filled to the brim with informative text, great photos in both black & white and color, and many period in-wear shots. This referemce was printed in 1972, but much of Fred's knowledge has retained it relevance even 30 years later. This reference is a must for the serious collector of daggers, not to mention books on the subject. A must have volume that is very hard to find today

Near Mint. $175.00. Near Mint softcovers also available for $95.00

CONTEMP #16785 Flags & Standards of the Third Reich - Brian Leigh Davis

This book is indispensible for the accurate identification of any of the command, swallowtail, and other assorted flags used by the Wehrmacht. Many of the photos show period in-use examples, not to mention a host of choice Mercedes cars packed full of Field Marshalls! It is 160 pages of photos and text, laid down by one of the leading militaria experts in the world, Brian Leigh Davis. This book was first published in 1975, and is just as an exciting read today as it was over 30 years ago! Complete with dust jacket.

Excellent Plus. $175.00

CONTEMP #25823 Guide to Military Dress Daggers, Volume 1 - Kurt Glemser

This softback format is 160 pages of excellent photos and text. For the first time,the foreign daggers of both WW1 and WW2 are finally identified. Although the Milestone chapter in Tom Johnson's great series is excellent,it is tremendous to have a first rate reference devoted to this area. In addition to the foreign pieces ,Kurt also covers German Damascus makers and their tang marks,German Imperial Naval pieces,fantasy pieces and even the current reproductions coming out of Texas. An extremely worthwhile addition to your reference library. The price is a "song" compared to the value you will receive from this book.Highly recommended.

$27.50

CONTEMP #25843 Guide to Military Dress Daggers, Volume 2 - Kurt Glemser

This second volume continues the picturing and identification of many of the Axis and some Imperial German and Austrian rare variations. It includes lots of great photographs and text, all in a hardback format with beautiful dust cover. Many of the daggers covered are not seen in any other references. Even has a chapter devoted to the beautiful Damast blades made during the Imperial heydays of Germany. 160 Pages. Volume 1 of this book sold well, so should this one. Don't miss out as productions runs are limited. Highly recommended reference.

$30.00

CONTEMP #25820 Guide to Military Dress Daggers, Volume 3 - Kurt Glemser

Kurt Glemser continues his outstanding efforts with Axis and Foreign daggers with the recent introduction of Volume 3 of his series. This hardbound, 260 page book, in 6" x 9 1/2" format, comes with beautiful color dust cover. For the first time in his series, Glemser addresses the beautiful Italian Naval Cadet dirks, Rumanian edged weapons are detailed from their inception, new information is disclosed on the Austrian Pilots dagger, the Croatian daggers of former Yugoslavia are discussed in detail, the true beauty of the awesome Czech and Slovakians Pilots daggers of the former Czechoslovakia are revealed. If this were not enough, there is an extensive chapter on the extremely well-made Swiss Army daggers, a chapter on Polish daggers, and finally the art of Damascus is discussed with Egon Dinger, the son of the famous Damascus smith family active during Imperial and Third Reich Germany. Many photographs are illustrated in full color. A tremendous effort here, and a must for every serious edged weapons collection library.

$40.00

CONTEMP #25844 A Guide to Military Dress Daggers, Volume 4 - Kurt Glemser

This is the fourth volume in the on-going series, and I must say,I think it is the best. The book has lots of very high grade rare Foreign daggers, many illustrated in full color. Additionally, there is a section showing many of these daggers being worn - something sorely lacking with this collector market. This beautiful book is 252 pages in length. Some of the chapters include the Swiss Army, East German Presentations, Turkish daggers, Youth Knives, the Koratorium Bohemia and Moravia dagger and much more. There are fantastic color photos of German Imperial Naval dirks, Bulgarian Flyers dirk, Turkish Naval w/ straps, Hlinka Guard - great stuff, here. Highly recommended purchase even if you do not collect these daggers - nice to know other markets.

$40.00

CONTEMP #25943 German Etched Dress Bayonets, 1933/1945 - Wayne Techet

If collecting etched dress bayonets is your passion, this is the book for you.This hardbound edition, authored by expert Wayne Techet ,covers just about everything the collector or enthusiast would need to know about Third Reich etched bayonets.264 pages of color and black and white photographs, that are second to none, with accompanying captions.A vast amount of information here! The author presents a fantastic overview of etched bayonets, ways in which to detect reproductions, and insight into many, many makers. Also included are rare SSand Panzer patterns and a value guide to different motiffs. 1st edition, personally numbered and signed by the author.

$55.00

CONTEMP #25944 Officer Swords of the German Navy

A hardbound "SCHIFFER MILITARY HISTORY BOOK" with analysis of German swords from many different periods. This 174 page book by Claus and Dirk Stefanski examines, in great detail, the swords of the Prussian Navy, the German Reichs Fleet, the Hamburg Flotilla, the North German Federation Navy, the Reichsmarine, the Kreigsmarine, and many more. This book offers a comprehensive written study of the history behind these swords accompanied by deeply detailed photographs in color and black and white. Fantastic crisp photography of these historic swords and of those who wore them. Included is also a study of portepees and a section on Damascus blades. A must have for those who love German swords or the beginner collector seeking invaluable knowledge. 9" x 11 1/4" 1st Edition w/ dustjacket.

$60.00

CONTEMP #26113 Edged Weapon Accoutrements of Germany, 1800/1945

A fantastic 154 page hard bound book that helps identify German portepees, bayonets, troddels, and other accoutrements from 1800 through the end of World War II. This reference contains wonderful rare period photographs of soldiers and officers in full dress regalia accompanied with their corresponding accoutrements. There is a vast index of troddels to help answer which sword or dagger they may of belong to and to which region of origin they were made. There is also various color groupings of knots. For collectors of the Third Reich there is gigantic photographic evidence of how accoutrements appeared and how they were worn on their respective dagger or sword. Information on Prussia, Bavaria, Hesse, Mecklenburg, Saxony, Wurttemberg, the Empire, Portepees, Hangers, and Knots. Glossary of terms is included. Published in 2002 by Reddick Enterprises.Contributing authors include Heinrich Kreutz, Rolf Hofmann, Thomas M. Johnson, and J. Rex Reddick. A must have reference guide for the serious collector.

$50.00

CONTEMP #26114 The Military Knife and Bayonet

If collecting bayonets is your passion, this book is it, period! This hardbound, 392 page book on fighting knives, trench knives, and bayonets should be considered the bible of the genre. This book documents, in color, bayonets from all 7 continents. A worldwide examination of these weapons. Starting with an overview by expert Homer M. Brett, this book acts as an atlas, going country to country, describing each particular bayonet from its' native region. The book even throws in some extensive insight on Third Reich edged weapons beside bayonets. Text is presented in both Japanese and English. Published in 2001 by World Photo Press and authored by Homer M. Brett. All color plates. Hundreds of photographs. If you don't have this one yet, get it.

$75.00

CONTEMP #26135 Uniforms of the Third Reich, a Study in Photographs

A Schiffer Military History, hardbound, pictorial book. 258 pages of wonderful photographs of some of the finest uniforms of the Reich. The book contains uniforms from the Army, Luftwaffe, Kreigsmarine, Waffen-SS, Allgemeine-SS, Hitler Youth, and Political Leaders. Fine detail of accommodating accoutrements as well. Great book, hard to put down. Authored by Arthur Hayes and Jon Maguire. Published in 1997.

$70.00

CONTEMP #27447 Luftwaffe Rudder Markings

A Schiffer Military History book. Published in 1991. Hardcover. 192 Pages. Authored by Karl Ries/Ernst Obermaier. Informative reference on the little known Luftwaffe rudder markings. Lots of different aircrafts, units, and pilots are covered. Presented in black and white photography. For those researchers or enthusiasts of Luft rudders this book is a must.

Good. $45.00