4 comments about Japanese Military and Civil Swords and Dirks.

1. This book is the best Japanese reference book you can own! It identifies swords, dirks, tassels, belt buckles, civilian swords, and pretty much anything else you can think of. This book is a must have for any Japanese sword collector! In fact this book itself is very hard to find and is skyrocking in value. Whatever you have to pay for this book it is worth it, I know I made up for the price with the first purchase I made.



2. Excellent book for the new or advanced collector. lots of good photos never published info. Clear and concise info on anything you may find at estate sales flea markets or antique shops



3. This is an excellent reference for anyone interested in Japanese swords. The authors have made not only a great handbook, but also one that is easily readable. It is an excellent buying guide in terms of identification, authentication, and evaluation. It also provides great information on sword knots, sword belts, and hangers as well as collecting tips and period photos. Don't go to a show without it! It gives you a knowledge advantage over 90% of the folks selling Japanese military swords. Easily pays for itself with your first treasure find.



4. This book is very comprehensive and has more information than most books of a similar topic. Great reference material as well as some nice closeup details of rare swords. A MUST HAVE item for anybody that wants to collect Military swords and such. Information of the type included within this book will assist newcomers to buy swords with confidence. Well worth $50 price!!

3 comments about Uniforms of the Soviet Union 1918-1945 (Schiffer Military History).

1. I purchased the book for a friend in Russia. I never saw the inside of the book personally, but my Russian friend was very happy with the book, so I would give it the highest ratings.



2. Webster and Nelson have written a pioneering study of Soviet military uniforms and headgear used between 1918-1945. This profusely illustrated tome is the first of its kind for collectors and military historians alike: Large, full-color photos nicely illustrate the tremendous variety of both field and dress styles worn by the officers and enlisted of the Army, Air Force, NKVD, Militia, and Navy (to name a few). Included are beautiful sections on 1920's-era pieces and seperate sections on headgear (especially visor caps). I heartily recommend this tome, but have a few minor reservations: The book is arranged chronologically, which proves to be awkward when attempting to research the uniforms of a particular branch en toto; furthermore, there is no index, which leaves the reader "thumbing" through the text when attempting to find a particular style or item. Lastly, steel helmets (including budennovkas) are treated only lightly (receiving but a few pages at best); field gear and accoutrements are left virtually untouched. However, these detractions should not take away from the overall value of Webster's great reference. The definitive work on the subject, however, remains to be written. Webster and Nelson's book ought to be complimented with Shalito's Red Army Uniforms of WWII, Khvostov's The Russian Civil War (1): The Red Army (Osprey Series), Goodman's book Lenin's Legacy, and Clawson's recent definitive study, Russian Helmets (2002).



3. Very well photographed and detailed. With very few published books on the subject of Red Army uniforms this is the best! A very good collection of Soviet uniforms in 'color' If you're into WWII Red Army uniforms or are a Red Army reenactor or collector (You need this book!!!!)

1 comments about The International Military Collectors Guide.

1. The International Militaria Collectors Guide by Gary Sterne and Irene Moore assembles pictures and prices for military items including uniforms, helmets, weapons, medals, cigarette lighters, belts, signal lamps, and more--much, much more.
   
   This work is mainly of interest to the collector of military history, but general readers will find the collection fascinating too. Items from several conflicts are presented, but the overwhelming focus is on the two world wars.
   
   Of especial value to the collector is the information on replicas as well as original items. (It is possible to buy a replica of a Hitler bust for your living room if such is your desire.) Prices for the items are given in GB pounds, Euros, and US dollars.

1 comments about Machine Guns: 14th Century to Present.

1. I read this excellent book, here in Brazil.This book is complete, correct and has many photos.The photos are in majority black and white, but there's about fifteen pages, only with colored photos in this book.After the preface, there's eight chapters in this amazing book.The last chapter is about the automatic cannon, used in aircraft and armoured vehicles such as the american Bradley tank.The chapter seven is about the machine guns during the Cold War.After the last chapter, follows six appendixes, a glossary and then the index.In each chapter, there's technical reports about the most importants machine guns ever produced:Madsen, Lewis, BAR,Bren,MG-34, MG-42,DShK 38, M60, PK, FN-MAG,etc.On page 197, there's some informations about a brazilian machine gun that never entered in serial production, the Uirapuru.About machine guns, this book is a masterpiece.Don't forget that machine guns are one thing,while submachine guns are another thing.This book has nothing about Sten gun or Uzi, that are both submachine guns.This book is about machine guns.Today is 29th february.Only in every four years, that a book so good, about machine guns can be writen.The author isn't alive today, but he made a masterpiece about machine guns.

3 comments about The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan, 1933-1945.

1. Books on Japanese swords are by their nature scarce and expensive. Many of them are out of date, or of supeficial scholarship. And many of the best ones are in Japanese, which makes it difficult for the English speaking collector/ enthusiast to use. But this book is an essential reference
   in this field of interest.
   
   Most books of Japanese swords cover the old historic swords. But since there are only so many of these surviving, a new market in swords made after the age of the Samurai have become popular. Hence the interest in swords made in modern times, but in the traditional manner.
   
   This book originally appeared in Japanese in 1998, and was translated in 2004. It covers the efforts in the 1980s to commemorate the traditional
   Japanese sword smithy and manufacturing unit that existed at Yasukuni
   shrine from 1933 to 1945. Yasukuni shrine was founded in the late 19th century in Tokyo to commemorate the spirits of Japanese war dead.
   A number of these smiths were located, and some made swords which
   were part of special exhibition. Eventually a special presentation sword was made by a group of these artisans, and given to the shrine marking the 50th anniversary.
   
   Most of the production of these swords were given as presentation pieces
   to graduates of the Army and Naval officer schools. Also a number were ordered by the Imperial household. All of the swords made at Yasukuni
   were of the highest quality, and rigid quality control was enforced.
   
   The book is full of wonderful details about the smiths and artisans working in Yasukuni, the establishment and history of the unit, and its demise at the end of WW II. There are numerous pictures of these swords, their inscriptions, production notes, even the layout of the sword
   shop. There are also the basics about Japanese sword making and the
   traditional forge and tools involved. For a slim volume like this, there is
   an amazing amount of information and research packed into it. In all
   approximately 8100 swords were made at Yasukuni from 1933 to 1945.
   
   This is an excellent book and essential addition to anyone with an interest in Japanese swords, Japanese history, arms & armour, or WW II in the Pacific theatre.



2. Few things carry the taint of Imperialism like Yasukuni Shrine. Dedicated to war dead, the shrine became a symbol for the Emperor cult of WWII Axis Japan, with Class A war criminals such as General Tojo being honored there. In modern Japan, it is a last remaining relic, after State Shinto was banned by the US occupation forces, and even today an official visit by a government official creates an uproar in the Asian nations abused by the Japanese army.
   
   With this in mind, a book titled "The Yasukuni Swords" carries the same aura as a book titled "The Auschwitz Bayonets" or "The Mai Lai Guns." Even amongst Nihonto enthusiasts, WWII era swords were known for their inferior quality and mass production, handed off to soldiers before being sent off to slaughter. But this book, "The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan 1933-1945" is not about ignominious history or garbage blades. It is about the preservation of an ancient art, rescued from oblivion. In this case, it is the end, not the means that matter.
   
   By the time of the inauguration of the Yasukuni Forge, in 1933, there were less than 10 swordsmiths in remaining in Japan. The sword-banning act of the Meiji Restoration had almost caused the extinction of perhaps the most refined tradition of swordcraft the world has ever known. Even of the 10, only one, Gassan Sadakatsu, was able to make blades of ancient quality. The military government in power, attempting to foster their aggression with the resurrection of the samurai spirit, gathered the remaining swordsmiths at Yasukuni Shrine, and established the forge. This is their story.
   
   Their story is fascinating indeed, as is the tale of the slow and painful resurrection of the swordsmithing art. Not only the smiths themselves, but all the accompanying crafts needed revival. The unique ore needed was in short supply, and the oral tradition of its processing was in the minds of 80-year old men. The blade polishers and the hilt wrappers all needed to be sought out and new craftsmen trained. Specific to the Yasukuni Forge, only traditional hand-craft was used, forging blades for officers and high-ranking Imperials, rather than the machine-forged blades of the common soldier during the war.
   
   In the end, up to 200 new swordsmiths were raised from the fires of the Yasukuni Forge, ensuring the survival of Japanese swordcraft for future generations.
   
   In addition to this fascinating history, "The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan 1933-1945" catalogs the blades of that era, showing the distinct markings and techniques and rediscovery of the art. There are articles on the Yasukuni Forge from the 1940s, as well as modern essays on the blades. Photographs bring the whole history to life, and this is one of the most fascinating books I have read for some time.



3. The Japanese sword occupied a position in their military culture not unlike that of the engraved pistols in American culture. One important class of Japanese swords are the 8,100 swords produced on the grounds of the Yasukuni Shrine between 1933 and 1945. The group of swordsmiths collected there preserved the time-honored forging methods and the aesthetic and apiritual traditions of the samurai warrior.
   
   In the aftermath of World War II sword ownership was banned in Japan and many of these swords were destroyed. Others became war booty and were removed to the victors countries.
   
   After the manufacturing of swords was allowed in 1954 many of the smiths began making swords again, but independently.
   
   This book is both a collection of photographs of Yasukuni swords and a story of the swordsmiths and the institution. It is a book that speaks of these historic swords with reverence.

1 comments about Vernon's Collectors' Guide to Orders, Medals & Decorations (with Valuations).

1. Mr. Vernon a retired British schoolteacher who resides in California has updated his popular and comprehensive guide to world medals and their prices. If one is a novice to the world of medal collecting, this book is a standard refernce. Copiously illustrated by black and white photos, the book is organized by country and thereafter by standard order of wearing precedence: Orders, gallantry awards, campaign awards, long service awards etc.. Vernon then lists each and every medal (including standard variations) at their "list" price as he has noted their sale over the past 5 years. Over 8,000 medals are listed by my count. Want to know how much a Silesian Eagle with swords is worth? Ever wondered what a Turkish "Gallipoli Star" looked like? This book can show you. The author also handily includes some surficial notes on various awards noting recent fakes and signs of copies. While this is no small, thin book its only frustration is that it contains a only a modest number (e.g. @1000) of photos relative to the items listed. However, this is understandible, since to illustrate every medal in the world be impossible.

No comments about United States Navy Wings of Gold: From 1917 to the Present (Schiffer Military/Aviation History).

2 comments about Researching British Military Medals: A Practical Guide.

1. I agree with everything Mr. Howells above says in his review. However, to add to what he said above, I found this book not only a "how to" guide, but also a very enjoyable, relaxing read. In short, this is a friendly book. It is well organized and takes the reader step by step through the research avenues used (and available) for the authors' "example" medals. The results were surprising and interesting, especially for the medals' uses in geneological research. The beauty of British medal collecting is that the vast majority of awards are named to individuals. This book illustrates well that these medals represent not only historic events, but full, rich and sometimes tragic lives as well.



2. Books on medal collecting tend to focus on the medals themselves - the criteria for their award, numbers issued, and the physical characteristics of the medal itself.

   This book is entirely different. Its focus is on the records behind the medals. It was a tradition in the British military to inscribe medals awarded to soldiers with their name, regiment, and often service numbers. This means that these baubles of cloth and metal are not mere keepsakes, but actual links to an individual's past.

   Medal collectors, military historians, and genealogists will all find this a very practical guide explaining how to flesh out the story behind the medal by consultation with the available records. Most of the records discussed are held at the Public Record Office but the author also discusses sources including those found with the medal (cases, telegrams, etc.) newspapers, and other libraries, museums and archives.

   The volume is profusely illustrated in black and white with period photos, close-ups of medals, and examples of the records involved. It is a very good step-by-step guide for learning the history of a serviceman based on their medals.

1 comments about G-Men and F.B.I. Toys and Collectibles: Identification & Values.

1. This 192 page, 8 1/2 x 11" softbound volume is jam packed with more than 600 full color, very large, sharp photos, including original boxes and ads. Collectors of this category will really enjoy this wonderful book. There is a brief introduction to the collectible, and is mainly a price picture guide. Prices are 1998. Major topics include Melvin Purvis collectibles, Jr G-man badges, pins and charms, fingerpriting and communication sets, lab, guns, books, movie collectibles, J. Edgar Hoover Items. Collectors will surely enjoy this beautiful book.

1 comments about German Assault Rifle, 1935-1945.

1. This a top rate book on the worlds first assault rifle's! Full of good B&W photo's,but I wish they included some color photo's.