Uncategorised The Iron Time

[Nick]

Atilla Jones mentioned in another thread the book The Iron Time by Stephen Previtera as being a valuable source of reference for the Iron Cross Series of Medals.

I have to agree it is an excellent publication, very nicely made with some excellent photographs, reference books do not come much better than this.

However just on a cautionary note there are a couple of things that are wrong with the book. First the price is very high which seems to be a problem with all such specialised refrence publications, but in my opinion this is worth the expenditure.

More importantly there are a few problems hidden inside the book, which is a shame, but due to the fact the writer is more a historian than a collector, seems an inevitable end result.

The Knights Cross on page 287 & 310 with an alleged bullet hole is a fake/reproduction.

The EK1 Spange on page266 is a well known fake.

The top EK1 on page 249 is a well known Floch fake.

The EK2 spange marked L/4 on page 246 is a fake.

The wound badge on page 262 is fake and the Ek1 is questionable certainly the engraving being fake.

That being said it is still worth the money !

Another good reference book for the 1939 Iron Cross series in Gordon Williamson's book by Bender Publications.

[Jim Baker]

I highly recommend Williamson's book.

And, although there are a few errors in The Iron Time, it is a great book that hopefully will be corrected in future reprintings.

If you are a collector of EK's, these two books are a must.

[Guest Darrell]

I highly recommend Williamson's book.

And, although there are a few errors in The Iron Time, it is a great book that hopefully will be corrected in future reprintings.

If you are a collector of EK's, these two books are a must.

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I agree with Jim. Gordon Williamson's The Iron Cross of 1939 is what many consider to be the bible of EKs.

Now, Iron Time is presently sold out everywhere you look. A couple of sites have it for sale at $225 US which is a ripoff. I got mine for about $85US. Considering the cost of "books" in general, especially colored hardcovers, this isnt too bad.

Edited March 31, 2005 by Darrell

[Richard Gordon]

What is Bowen's book like? Can someone review it?

Also, am I correct in thinking there is another book on this subject by Glasser(sp?)? Does anyone have this one?

Rich

[Dietrich]

What is Bowen's book like? Can someone review it?

Also, am I correct in thinking there is another book on this subject by Glasser(sp?)? Does anyone have this one?

Rich

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Hi Richard,

Bowen's book is very good, considering the time it was written. It has ton's of usefull information and also some mistakes. But this is the case with all these books. The imidiate information exchange on the net allows for an accelerated rate of 'new' knowledge. The same applies to Geissler's book (I guess that's what you meant) However, Geissler is more into the awardees, not so much into the technical and/or production aspects. This really only started with Gordon's book and he cannot be commended strongly enough to brake open this truly new approach to the collecting.

If you are looking into another good book, buy Bowen! It's absolutely worth it but you might have problems finding it. I was fortunate enough to get a copy for araound $ 200,-.

Dietrich

[Biro]

Hi Richard

Bowens book is absolutely EXCELLENT.... full of historical information, manufacturing techniques (as comprehensive as they were known in 1986!) and general Iron Cross info.

While it too inevitably contains its fair share of .... 'grey areas', is a bit light on T/R era and is certainly a dated reference in many respects (knee flaws ...? ...rounders?.... ), I personally find it a more comprehensive and enjoyable read than either of the two equally outstanding books mentioned above, primarily due to its impressive coverage of pre-third reich era Iron Crosses. The photos are a mixed bag of good and awful, but there is almost too much information.... and that's my kinda book.

Seriously, get this book, read it with an open mind (did I mention a little dated?) and enjoy the most comprehensive English language reference available from that time period.

The Iron Time and The Iron Cross of 1939 all wrapped up in one old fashioned bundle.

Thoroughly recommended.

Marshall

[Chris Boonzaier]

Does anyone by any chance have a 1st edition Previtera?

I have the 2nd edition, but need to see a pic that was in the 1st edition.

Thanks

Chris

[Eric Stahlhut]

i do, pm me with deets and i'll send you the pic