Paul R

Next portion of the book

Next up is a really nice grouping that was awarded to a Major(?). I originally bought it for the Belgrade medal.

Here is the back... the best looking part of the medal!!! The medal/suspension link does not move freely. The link was not made for the suspension, IMHO. I am guessing that the link is from the original red suspension bar! I think that the owner used it to attach it to the Pentagon suspension... I am thinking about having it professionally restored(polished and regilt) to bring it back to it's original glory!

Close up (for Rick...you know which one ;-) !) Can you imagine how beautiful it was... freshly minted with a shiny silver glow... and the gilt "XX"? I bet that it was a sight to behold!

back

Another Documented single... I think that this is my favorite of them all. I love the enameling!

Better views. Closeup

Back

The next grouping is the same size(literally), but the visual gratification is much higher!

I know that you have have seen the books(countless times!), but now I present the medals and orders that accompanied them! I will start with the smallest(in size anyway)... This one is kinda sad actually. Despite all of the Gold and Silver medals heaped upon people for service years, this is the one they chose to give to someone after it was all over(retirement). Although not pretty, it does represent a lifetime of civilian service.

Thanks for the explaination! Is this award for women(as it is in a bow)?

Those are nice... Can you please tell us what they are? Are they WW2 era? I have three post war(I think) medals as well.

I think that between the three of us... we are doing well at wiping them out!!! BTW, I was reviewing old threads and came across your Supplimental Hauptman's as well as your reserve medical officer... Wow!!!

That is a beautiful order! What is the critera for awarding it? Paul

Thanks Grant! I did not even know of any West German/57 references! Thanks for posting these!

I too enjoy civil order groupings. They tend to be very colorful! It is a shame that there is no access to the civil side for research.

Agreed Jos!!! Awesome set up! How long did it take you to find everything? You stated that you are looking for other items... what else can you possibly fit onto that manniquin? Can we please get a look at you other manniquins?

I have just looked them up, and Larry is correct. Nice Pennant!

And finally, a nice book by Brian L Davis. This is a great supplimentary book with a lot of period photos and drawings.

Volume three gets into the field equipment, weapons, and etc.

Here is volume 2. This volume covers indepth into the administrative insignia.

My goal is to have a sort of mini directory of known reference books that have been proven as valuable in the collecting community. Because my main focus is Luftwaffe, my selection of books pertaining to Uniforms, insignia, and gear of the German Army and SS are very limited. I will start this thread off with what I have. Please do add scans of the books you use and recommend as well as provide a brief narrative about the points that make the book stand out to you. I will start off with the Angolia Series. In my opinion, these books are a must have for any Uniform and insignia collector. It gets very indepth with the various insignia and uniforms that were used. The books are loaded with many black and white photos and a few color photos as well. The down side of these books is the fact that they are out of print and expensive when found.

...and Volume 2. Now, I know that I do not yet have volume 3 in the Angolia series(yet) so if you do have a copy please post it. If there are any other reference books out there that cover this topic matter, please post them here! Regards Paul

The next series I am to go over is written by Brian L Davis. This book was my mainstay until recently. These books are full of great information, that rivals the books written by Angolia. Other Pro's for this series include the fact that they are readily available and "wallet friendly".(despite being out of print!). Just about all aspects of the Luftwaffe and it's auxillary organizations are covered in the two volumes. These books are full of period photos(Black and white) as well as illustrations. These books are definately a "must have" for any Luftwaffe uniform/insignia collector. Here is volume 1.

Here is the predecessor to the last book I posted(published in 1967). Although it has the same title, it covers a lot of different areas.(while some topics are duplicated). Lots of colorized illustrations as well as plentiful B&W photos and tables. Something that makes this book one to get(for me anyway) is the coverage of the auxillary units of the Luftwaffe, Foreign Legions of the Luftwaffe, and other obscure little known of units. I dont know the rarity or value of this books as I have never heard of or seen another since receiving this one.