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Combat Helmets of the Third Reich: A Study in Photographs:
by Thomas Kibler
This
recently published (2003) softbound book contains 96 pages of color
photos depicting various German helmets ranging from the common to the
rare. The book is published by Reddick Enterprises, the same
company who also printed the two volume softbound series on SS Helmets
that has a similar format and feel.
Combat Helmets of the Third Reich was written by a collector for
collectors and features approximately 44 different helmets pictured in
various side angles or profile shots. The book includes detailed
photos of different parts of each helmet including items such as decals,
split pins, chinstrap markings, liner details, and name markings.
Scattered throughout the book are also a number of period photographs
and uniform insignia that are added to enhance the overall viewing
pleasure. This softbound book is an excellent visual guide to the
various helmets that most collectors consider "common" in condition or
availability, with several rare helmets added throughout.
Perhaps
the book's biggest drawback is that there is virtually no text
explaining the items depicted. Rather, the reader is left with
"Helmet interior," "Decal close-up," and "Grey painted steel buckle" as
the typical commentary on the items shown. Despite this aspect,
readers should keep in mind that the book was not designed to explain
the features or items illustrated, but rather only to depict them in
photographs.
Books
that only show photographs of different helmet collections, without any
commentary on their configuration, have been the trend in recently
published helmet collecting books. Most collectors seemingly
prefer to view "full color photos" of different helmets rather than read
text about them. As a trend this is unfortunate, as many of the
excellent details photographed in this book could be commented on
further to aid the beginning collector with interpreting what they are
seeing and how to best identify similar items for their collections.
Some of
the photos shown in the book appear small and slightly less detailed
compared to those seen in hardbound books. All of the helmets
featured in the book appear to be original wartime examples, but no
doubt some collectors will likely challenge the Holger Dansk (Danish
Resistance) SS helmet featured on page 62. Likewise, some will
also challenge the only camouflaged SS helmet cover shown in the book
because of its nonstandard rocker clips. Even so, most collectors
who simply love to look at other people's collections will enjoy this
book. The book sells for approximately $15 US and is printed only
in English.
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