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SS
Helmets: A Collector's Guide Volume II: by Kelly Hicks
This
follow-up to the First Volume published several years ago by Reddick
Enterprises features a nice selection of color photographs of
authenticated SS helmets. Detailed photographs show the interior of
helmets, decals, color finishes, and overall variations in pre-war
transitional and combat styles. Volume II makes an attempt to
illustrate a wider variety of helmets compared to what was shown in
Volume I. The use of color is more apparent and helpful to
collectors. The book is still in available and typically purchased
for a reasonable sum of $20 US.
By
comparison to much larger books on the subject of German helmets, the
text is once again a bit limited overall. The book does not make
an attempt to answer every question regarding German helmets, but places
emphasis exclusively on SS helmets. Once again the author stays clear
of any detailed discussion of reproductions. Readers should be
aware that the author's main focus in writing both volumes was to
educate concerning the features found on known originals. The
author is a noted authority on the subject and has personally identified
each helmet in the book. Most of the helmets depicted are in the
collection of the author.
The
subject of collecting Waffen-SS helmets is an interesting one in the
sense that most people who collect these helmets are purists who are
quick to judge the majority of helmets in the marketplace as "fakes."
The book is a good reference to what it might be like to join the ranks
of those who consider themselves the "elite of the elite" in the helmet
collecting world. Most SS helmet collectors consider these two
volumes their "definitive bible" on the subject. The author enjoys
a healthy following of beginning, intermediate, and advanced collectors
who believe that sticking with a small crowd of knowledgeable SS helmet
collectors is a better way to go.
Volume
II is published as a softbound handbook and is only available in
English. |
