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German Helmets & Headgear WW II - WW I

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German Helmets
The Normandy Campaign 

In the first volume of this new series by Militaria Magazine, collectors will discover a new aspect of helmet camouflage, focusing on the spontaneous gesture of the front-line soldier, the individuality and sometimes moving aspect of ‘battlefield found’ helmets. Impressive by their historical dimension, camouflaged helmets, whether the plain result of personal initiative or produced by teams of experienced artists, often reproduce the colors and patterns applied to tanks and guns. The wide array of more than 150 original German helmets shown here is only a glimpse of their huge variety, but it captures the general trends in WW2 German equipment camouflage. From the crude and elementary mottling with issue or civilian paints to the imaginative and complicated patterns evolved within sedentary units, the veteran soldier also completed his work by adding various texturing elements.  Most of these helmets originate from private collections and were found on the Normandy battlefield. The majority were photographed in natural light, to enhance the actual efficiency of their camouflage finish.  A must-have book for all German militaria and helmet collectors, and camouflage enthusiasts. Paperback, 8" x 9.5", 84 pages, 240 photographs. (rzm) Price - $24.95

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New
 
Exotische
Rare Cloth Headgear of the Third Reich 

Wilson History & Research Center is proud to release Volume 1 of our series on rare and exotic headgear of the 20th century, Exotische: Rare Cloth Headgear of the Third Reich. Hundreds of pieces of extraordinary, unique and never before seen headgear have been masterfully photographed and presented in this 200 plus page hardbound work. The authors have graciously been granted access to some of the most prestigious collections throughout the world and have presented these extremely rare and unique treasures in a high manner and quality.

This work promises to be not only a wonderful opportunity to see the greatest collection of Third Reich headgear ever assembled in one volume, but also to share in a tremendous learning forum. Beginner and advanced collectors alike have the rare opportunity to see digitally photographed details of caps that have never before been publically presented. Each of these rare caps is identified and described and many have only been seen, if at all, in grainy period black and white photographs. The authors employed the latest and highest quality digital photography in capturing and presenting these rarities. Exotische affords the collector and researcher a unique opportunity to view these historically significant caps and provides a reference for comparison and education. This photographic study displays painstaking detail of both the caps and their high quality insignia. Knowledge can only be obtained through the experience of seeing the quality of construction and attention to detail utilized in the originals and the only better way to do this then using Exotische is holding them in your hands.

Exotische presents an astounding array of headgear ranging from caps worn by Third Reich leaders (Hitler, Göring, and Dietrich) to the most unusual and obscure paramilitary and civil organizations for visual inspection and study. The authors are incredibly excited about this endeavor and are looking forward to sharing these amazing pieces of history with fellow collectors, historians, and researchers. Hard cover with dust jacket, 9" x 12", 342 pages, Full color photos. Price - $85.00


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New
SS-Steel: Parade and Combat Helmets of Germany’s Third Reich Elite
(Expanded Edition - 64 additional pages)
The central issue regarding collecting SS helmets is the huge amount of fakes now on the market. SS-Steel is intended to assist the collector in determining the fakes from the real thing. It provides information specific to their paint, decals and general characteristics. This analysis is conducted within the framework of history; illustrating how the forces of politics and war influenced the equipping of Germany's elite guard.    During full-scale production of the M-35 series of helmets, each of the five German helmet makers installed their own pattern of SS decal on helmets at the factory. Fine examples of dozens of helmets show clear evidence of this maker-to-decal correlation. In addition to the decal analysis, SS-Steel explores the high degree of re-use and re-issue of helmets, compared to the other services. Variations, unusual and rare helmets, and "foreign volunteer" SS helmets are also explored.   Since the first edition of "SS Steel," a lot has taken place. Numerous superb original examples of helmets have surfaced that not only reinforce the decal to maker correlation, but also to give authoritative context for exceptions to this correlation. Both the reinforcement aspects and the exception aspects will be illuminated further in this update. Some of the information that has surfaced deals with more accurate dating of helmets via anecdotal use of batch or lot numbers, which loosely give a helmet a production period that in combination with the decal it displays from the factory can lead to determination of when certain patterns of decals were used and perhaps why. An example of this is the ET M-35 SS helmet with factory issue C.A. Pocher decals. In the first edition of "SS Steel," this happenstance was characterized as an early characteristic, based on several examples of 1937 or earlier dated M-35s, plus some period photos showing early use of Pocher decals. In the intervening period since the first edition, it has been definitively determined that C.A. Pocher decals were also used on factory issue ET M-35 helmets, alongside and even intermingled with standard ET decals, during a large portion of 1939. This is due to their correlation to the 4,000 series lot numbers, which loosely equate to 1939 production overall. So this very significant point has been identified and helps refine and advance collector knowledge on M-35s.  Other useful information has been incorporated into this update, with the intent of creating greater clarity on production and use of all helmets across the wartime spectrum of the SS. It is my greatest hope that this information will help solidify and strengthen the body of knowledge surrounding these magnificent trophies of the Second World War. - 304 Pages, -Over 500 Color Photos, -Deluxe Binding. Price - $62.95
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New
Schirmmützen: Imperial German Cavalry Field Service Caps
 
During the last decades of the 1800s and the first decade of the 1900s, some of the most elegant and colorful military service caps (schirmmützen) were worn by the Imperial German cavalry. The unique color combinations identified each regiment, and were the last stand for military fashion before and during World War I. This book is the first complete reference on schirmmützen, and shows and describes the headgear for all branches of the Imperial German cavalry. The pre-war models as well as the M-7 and M-15 war model caps are all illustrated in color photos and original period postcards. The book also provides German nomenclature for the caps and valuable tips on how to collect and identify the various regiments. Size: 6" x 9", Illustrations: over 170 color/bw images,  Pages: 192. Price  - $59.99

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Germany’s Combat Helmets 1933-1945: A Modern Study

Perhaps the best reference yet written on the overall subject of the Third Reich steel helmet. Details and heretofore little known facts are presented in a chronological order through the examination of scores of the finest original examples. The reader will come away with a better understanding of the production, adornment and period modification in design of the combat helmets of Hitler's armed forces. “...a superbly researched and authoritative work on German helmets--arguably the new standard for all authors on the subject." - Kelly Hicks. 468 pages,867 Color Photos,Deluxe Binding. Price- $69.95  OUT OF PRINT

 

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This new book provides an organized, chronological guide to the evolution and development of the myriad types of soft headgear worn by the SS. As the pre- and war-years progressed, geographical areas of operation changed, and the composition of the SS divisions evolved. So also, did the headgear worn by these troops. This reference illustrates a great number of these examples with over 600 photos including more than half in color. The overwhelming majority of these pictures including many rare original candid period snapshots have never been seen before in any previous publication. Hardcover, 9" x 12", 256 pages, over 600 color and b+w photos. Price: $100.00

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New
The History of the Steel Helmet in the First World War
Vol.1: Austro-Hungary, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany
 
This new illustrated two-volume set is a further detailed look at the helmets of all nations using an identifiable helmet during the First World War. Following the authors’ first book on World War I helmets, this set contains over 1,000 full colour, detailed photographs and over 200 period black and white photographs. Featured are rare and unique helmets, some previously unseen. The text includes a short history of the belligerent countries – setting the helmets and their development in context – as well as details and dimensions of all helmets. The countries featured are: Vol.1: Austro-Hungary, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany; Vol.2: Great Britain, Greece, Holland, Italy, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, United States. The helmets illustrated come from rarely-seen private collections, as well as national museums, including items not currently on public display. This set is a superb reference for all helmet collectors and historians of the First World War. Size: 9"x12", over 550 color and b/w photographs , 272 pages, (sch) Price - $79.95

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New
The History of the Steel Helmet in the First World War
Vol.2: Great Britain, Greece, Holland, Italy, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, United States
 
This new illustrated two-volume set is a further detailed look at the helmets of all nations using an identifiable helmet during the First World War. Following the authors’ first book on World War I helmets, this set contains over 1,000 full colour, detailed photographs and over 200 period black and white photographs. Featured are rare and unique helmets, some previously unseen. The text includes a short history of the belligerent countries – setting the helmets and their development in context – as well as details and dimensions of all helmets. The countries featured are: Vol.1: Austro-Hungary, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany; Vol.2: Great Britain, Greece, Holland, Italy, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, United States. The helmets illustrated come from rarely-seen private collections, as well as national museums, including items not currently on public display. This set is a superb reference for all helmet collectors and historians of the First World War. Size: 9"x12", over 550 color and b/w photographs , 272 pages. (sch) Price - $79.95

 

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New
SS HELMETS
The History, Use, and Decoration of the Helmets of the Black Corps
 
This new book, by noted SS and helmet scholars Mike Beaver and Kelly Hicks, presents the combat and parade helmets worn by the SS from its earliest days to the end of wartime production. The examples shown are genuine artifacts of the Third Reich, and most are shown here for the first time. Some of the finest collections and sources globally have been solicited in the construction of this book. The value of these SS helmet resources from the world over cannot be overstated in terms of their contribution toward collector knowledge – as well as the safety and survivability of this historical hobby. The photographic selection, and excellent quality of photo-representation, brings to life the heraldry and visual impact of these iconic objects. The reader will not only understand and become well versed in the recognized variations of SS helmets, but will also have a feel for the historical context in which they were used. Size: 9"x12", over 300 large format color and b/w photos, 200 pages (sch) Prce -  $69.95
 

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New; Headgear of Hitler¹s Germany

This volume continues the in-depth study of Third Reich political headgearand the documented and historical background showing their evolution from 1923 to 1945, as well as related insignia. Included in incredible detail are the General-SS, SS Special Purpose Troops, SS-Death¹s Head units and the Germanic-SS (Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and Denmark). The coverage continues in similar detail on the National Socialist Automobile Corps and the National Socialist Motor Corps with its numerous sub-units. The complex evolution of the insignia, the ranking and piping systems, the various organizational and school headgear styles, plus full documentation and detail-filled photos grace this large 512 page reference. Many are in full color. 512 pages,824 photos/ illustrations.
Price - $59.95

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New
Spiked Helmets of Imperial Germany
Volume One - Infantry Regiments • Pioneer Battalions • General Officers
 
This monumental, two volume set, several years in preparation, includes over 400 color photographs, illustrations and period images from the finest collections in the United States and Europe. For the first time, collectors will see a comprehensive full color photographic lexicon picturing helmets from every unit of the Imperial German Army of 1914. Many of the photographs exhibit helmets of such rarity that they have never been seen outside a select group of advanced collectors. Carefully selected, each photograph and illustration affords the reader information not to be found elsewhere. Presented in a clear and easy to understand format, the detailed text covers evolution of the Pickelhaube from 1842 until 1918, helmet nomenclature, front plates of the Active, Reserve and Landwehr regiments, and identification tables for officer and other ranks helmets. Without a doubt, these are the most extensive and comprehensive books on this subject ever published in English. The information presented here will make this book essential for the novice and advanced collector, military historian and restorer. Size: 6"x9", over 200 color b/w photos, 240 pages. (sch) Price - $59.95
 

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New
Spiked Helmets of Imperial Germany
Volume II - Cavalry • Artillery • Train
This monumental, two volume set, several years in preparation, includes over 400 color photographs, illustrations and period images from the finest collections in the United States and Europe. For the first time, collectors will see a comprehensive full color photographic lexicon picturing helmets from every unit of the Imperial German Army of 1914. Many of the photographs exhibit helmets of such rarity that they have never been seen outside a select group of advanced collectors. Carefully selected, each photograph and illustration affords the reader information not to be found elsewhere. Presented in a clear and easy to understand format, the detailed text covers evolution of the Pickelhaube from 1842 until 1918, helmet nomenclature, front plates of the Active, Reserve and Landwehr regiments, and identification tables for officer and other ranks helmets. Without a doubt, these are the most extensive and comprehensive books on this subject ever published in English. The information presented here will make this book essential for the novice and advanced collector, military historian and restorer. Size: 6"x9", over 200 b/w photos, 240 pages. (sch) Price - $59.95

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New

German Camouflaged Helmets of the Second World War: Volume 1: Painted and Textured Camouflage; Volume 2: Wire, Netting, Straps, Interior, Miscellaneous
This two volume set is packed with nearly 1000 full-color photographs of more than 180 helmets and covers, all shown at full page size and many in detail. The helmets shown are some of the most wonderful and exotic camouflage helmets to be seen in private and public collections. The various sections are divided into: Paint, Texture, Wire, Covers, Netting, Straps, Interiors and Misecellaneous with each section having its own period photograph reference section - most never before published. The author brings to the reader and collector, for the first time, a clear, detailed look at the many and varied styles of comouflage the World War II German soldier applied to what was his most personal piece of equipment. Size: 9"x12", illustrations over 550 b/w and color photographs in each volume,volume 1 has 400 pages and volume 2 has 328. Price - $79.95 each

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Headgear of Hitler`s Germany Vol.3
After six years of rewriting because of incredible new information discovered in the former East Germany, we are proud to announce this massive volume on political headgear. The complexities of this subject are unraveled with dates of introduction, of insignia changes, and a historical background showing headgear evolution from the 1920s to 1945. Order now and enjoy a feast for the eyes with this third volume's hundreds of unpublished photographs. Of special significance is a 60 page full-color addendum for ease of recognition. 592 pages, 1069 photos/illustrations, deluxe binding (rzm) Price -  $54.95

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German Headgear in World War II
Army/Luftwaffe/Kriegsmarine: A Photographic Study of German Hats and Helmets
 
This two volume set by Pat Moran and Jon Maguire illustrates, in full color, over 240 visor hats and helmets of the German: Army, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, SS, NSDAP, Police, Civilian, and miscellaneous formations. Each peaked hat is shown from four angles, including interior, and insignia detail. These volumes are a must for collectors of German headgear and militaria, as well as modelers and students of military uniforms. Size: 9"x12", over 600 color photos, 312 pages. Price - $75.00

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German Headgear in World War II
SS/NSDAP/Police/Civilian/Misc.: A Photographic Study of German Hats and Helmets
 
This two volume set by Pat Moran and Jon Maguire illustrates, in full color, over 240 visor hats and helmets of the German: Army, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, SS, NSDAP, Police, Civilian, and miscellaneous formations. Each peaked hat is shown from four angles, including interior, and insignia detail. These volumes are a must for collectors of German headgear and militaria, as well as modelers and students of military uniforms. Size: 9"x12", over 250 color photos, 152 pages. Price - $75.00

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The Collector`s Guide to Cloth Third Reich Military Headgear
This is a must have book for headgear collectors at any leval - novice to advanced. Though designed to provide useful, practical information for novice collectors, the second half of the book is devoted to more advanced information on the cap makers themselves. Cap construction basics are covered, including materials and finishes (doeskin, Eskimo), and a brief overview of the individuals, equipment, and procedures involved in manufacture. Descriptions of each type of cap (including lining and sweatband colors) for each service and comparisons with modern Bundeswehr and former East German headgear help novice collectors avoid costly mistakes. For the first time in print information on the Army Offizier Kleiderkasse, interior markings such as D.R.G.M., Ges.Gesch, and many generic labels: Stirndruckfrei; Meisterklasse; Sonderform; Erstklassig; Deutsche Wertarbeit, etc. The book includes a history of the German cap-making industry and a listing of more than eighty separate cap makers, including August Schellenberg, Clemens Wanger, Peter Kupper, and others. Size: 8 1/2"x11", over 700 color and B/W photographs, 416 pages.  Price - $79.95

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New
German Helmets of the Second World War Vol. 1 & 2
 
This two volume set is a fully illusterated detailed look at famous German "stahlhelm" of World War II. Full color photos including multiple view, interiors, and close-up detail. Shown are the Army, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Paratroopers, and many others. There have been several noteworthy reference books on German helmets over the past few years, but German Helmets of the Second World War gives the collector the unique opportunity to study the many examples portrayed at close quarters. Presented for the first time are images of the highest quality and definition-details of model types, liners, insignia, camouflage paint schemes, covers, and accutrements-all in full color. To help put these helmets into a historic context, there are also many orginal unpublished B/W photos. Both volumes have been specifically produced to give the advanced collector the opportunity to expand his or her knowledge. For the novice or would be collector, these books are an invaluable reference. Hard cover, size 9"x12", illustrations: over 420 color photos, 328 pages. Price- $79.95 ea  
 
 

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Head Dress of Imperial Germany 1880-1916
This book is a compilation of helmets collected over the past thirty years, and is intended as an illustrated reference source on the elaborate head dress of the Imperial German Army from 1880-1916. Displaying many rare helmets in full color, large format photographs, the book covers most branches within the army and is organized in alphabetical order begining with the artillery units, moving through the various cavalry (hussars, dragoons, currasiers) and infantry units, and ending with uhlans - a superb cross section of all different head dress types. This book is a beautiful, highly detalied source for collectors. Size: 9"x12", over 190 color photographs, 200 pages. Price - $75.00

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Imperial German Military Officers' Helmets and Headdress
 
This long-awaited work is a detailed reference on the officer's headdress of the Imperial German army from 1871-1918. Described and shown in full color are helmets from the following subjects: generals, infantry, cavalry, artillery, technical troops, communication troops, train, semi-military forces, medical and veterinary services, intendance and supply, the beamte, marine infantry and the colonial forces. Informative and detailed descriptions trace the changing models and patterns, as well as the "nuts and bolts" of assembly. Also discussed are the Imperial German Army's organization, service, and recruiting of the period from all of the Kingdoms, Grand Dukedoms and Princedoms, as well as the Hanseatic Free States. This book is an important source on Imperial headdress for collectors, dealers, historians, auctioneers and restorers. Size: 8.5"x11", over 400 color and b/w photos, 400pages. Price - $79.95

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Helmets of the First World War
Germany, Britain & their Allies
 
Superb color photographs, including multiple full-views and detail shots, depict over 150 helmets of Germany, Britain, France, United States, Austria, Turkey, and others from World War 1. Previously unpublished World War 1 photographs show the helmets as they were worn. Size:9"x12", over 500 color and B/W photographs, 240 pages. Price - $75.00