Third Reich Collectibles

The rise and fall of Germany's Third Reich is one of the most studied, investigated and collected episodes of military history. A reign of terror that rose to near world domination during the 1930s and early 1940s, Adolph Hitler's Germany continues to fascinate generations of scholars and students of history alike. The Third Reich's insatiable drumbeat of pageantry and propaganda produced countless uniforms, insignia, medals, flags, daggers, swords, and headgear, comprising one of the most desired categories in all of military collectibles to study, understand and own. Groundbreaking in scope and execution, Third Reich Collectibles features more than 1,300 color images with descriptions and values for: • Uniforms • Helmets • Headgear • Flags • Badges • Membership pins • Patches • Armbands • Firearms • Blades • Equipment • Paper IDs • Signage • And more associated with the military and paramilitary groups of the Third Reich Throughout the book you'll also find historical background information and period photographs capturing everyday Nazi Germany.

Out of the numerous books and articles on the Third Reich, few address its material culture, and fewer still discuss the phenomenon of Nazi memorabilia. This is all the more surprising given that Nazi symbols, so central to sustaining Hitler’s movement, continue to live long after the collapse of his 12-year Reich. Neither did Nazi ideology die; far-right populists would like to see the swastika flown over the White House or Buckingham Palace. Against a backdrop of right-wing extremism, military re-enactors think nothing of dressing up in Waffen-SS uniforms and romanticising the Third Reich in the name of living history. Auctioneers are prepared to hammer down Nazi artefacts to the highest bidder, but who is buying them, and why do they do so? Should collectors be allowed to decorate their homes with Nazi flags? The Anarchy of Nazi Memorabilia begins by examining the creation and context of Nazi artefacts and symbols during the volatile Weimar Republic to their wider distribution during the Third Reich. There were few people in Nazi Germany who did not wear a badge or uniform of some sort. Whether it be mothers, soldiers or concentration camp inmates, they were all branded. The chapter on the Second World War demonstrates that although German soldiers were cynical about being given medals in exchange for freezing in Russia. They still continued to fight, for which more decorations were awarded. A large proportion of this book is therefore given to the meaning that Nazi symbols had before Nazi Germany was eventually defeated in May 1945. Equally important, however, and one of the characteristics of this book, is the analysis of the meaning and value of Nazi material culture over time. The interpreters of Nazi symbols that this book focuses on are internationally based private collectors and traders. Sustained attention is given in a chapter outlining the development of the collectors’ market for Nazi memorabilia from 1945 onwards. No matter how much collectors go out of their way to paint the hobby in a positive light, their activities do not fully escape the troubled past of the material that they desire. So contested are Nazi symbols that another chapter is devoted to the ethics and morals of destroying or preserving them. The issues surrounding private versus public custody and ownership of Nazi artefacts are also discussed. So far, in this book, the examination of Nazi artefacts has been restricted to physical objects within societies that are generally aware of the consequences of Hitlerism. As we increasingly move into the digital age, however, and there are few survivors of the Second World War left to relay their horrific experiences, the final chapter contemplates the future of Nazi symbols both digitally and physically, fake or real. This book will appeal to all those interested in the Third Reich, Nazi ideology, Neo-Nazism, perceptions of the Nazis post-1945, modern European history and political symbolism. It will also hold particular appeal to those interested in the collecting and trading of contested and highly emotive artefacts. It considers aesthetics, authenticity, commodification, gift exchange, life histories of people and objects, materiality and value theory.

History of Nazi Germany.

The Collector's Guide to 3rd reich Tableware addresses this much overlooked collectible area in detail. It extensively diocuments the items with over 600 photos/graphics, some 470 pages and over 50,000 words of text, primarily to illuminate the relevance of the collectibles to the history makers and oragnizations that generated them. Mr. Yannes' previous books on 3rd Reich Spoons and later, Cutlery, culminate in this seminal work. A must for both collectors and history buffs interested in the 3rd Reich.

The Encyclopedia of 3rd Reich Tableware is an enhanced, expanded and heavily illustrated reference book containing extensive historical exposition related to the broad range of personal (monogramed), organizational (logos) and commemorative tableware of the 3rd Reich from the Period of Struggle in the early 1920's to its demise in 1945. This tableware was used by the people and organizations that were the 3rd Reich. From private service's such as Hitler's, (34 pages), Eva Braun, Speer, Hess, etc. to organizations such as the SS (106 pages), Red Cross, Hitler Youth, German Railway (34 pages), the Wehrmacht (110 pages), Party Hotels and commemoratives such as the U-47 submarine, all are included. This book contains over 880 photos / graphics and over 80,000 words of text. The unique aspect of 3rd Reich tableware is that you can hold in your hand a piece of history that was held in the hand of the original history maker. This is an academic inquiry, a disinterested pursuit of truth, an effort to document this intriguing collectors corner and an obvious must for collectors, historians, educators and WWII buffs. In addition, it uncovers little know facts that illuminate the individuals and organizations included.

About the Book Collectible Spoons of the 3rd Reich is a detailed, heavily illustrated reference book containing relevant historical exposition on many of the personal, organizational and commemorative spoons of the 3rd Reich period from 1933 to 1945. These spoons, unlike most other collectibles from this period, were actually owned and used daily by the people and organizations of those times. The book includes many spoon types, for example: Hitler’s personal silverware, Red Cross, SS, the U-47 etc. With over 200 photos / graphics and over 19,000 words of text, the book extensively explores the relevant historical highlights which in turn illuminate this unique period in history as reflected by the spoons. These spoons are history that you can hold in your hand and were once in the hands of the German history makers of the 3rd Reich era. As the years pass, the 3rd Reich era will move from the monster of history to just plain history as did the Napoleonic era and like Napoleon collectibles, there is increasing interest in acquiring 3rd Reich collectibles, although understandably relatively modest in our lifetime. Thus, this book should be of interest to the collector and educational for the casual reader of history.

Heavy demand has created an international market in fake Third Reich uniforms, equipment and decorations. In this unique volume, over 200 photographs display several hundred fakes side-by-side with the authentic originals. Both are described in meticulous detail, making for two reference books in one. The author has drawn upon Scotland Yard forensic techniques to wage a 20-year battle against counterfeiters of Third Reich memorabilia, some of them exhibiting almost unbelievable ingenuity. Not readily available in the United States for a number of years, this is a solid work for the serious military collector and enthusiast that has also proven to be very popular with general readers.