1 comments about Standard Catalog of Military Firearms 1870 to the Present: The Collector's Price & Reference Guide (Standard Catalog of Military Firearms).

1. I like the book, it doesn't give a lot of information, just the basics which is what it is. The only thing I didn't like is that the "values" of the firearms aren't realistically real world prices, and that it doesn't differentiate between rearsenalled firearms and originals. But for what it does, it's simple and easy to use.

4 comments about A-2 and G-1 Flight Jackets: Hell-Bent for Leather (Motorbooks Classic).

1. This is one SILLY book- especially if you want to find anything reliable about vintage flight jackets! The "experts" quoted in this book are all the owners of 1980's flight jacket companies trying to cash in on the Top Gun craze. You've got your Stuey Clurman and your Jeff Clyman and some guy named Wegge and of course the indomitable Burt Avedon all spinning tales about A-2s and G-1s! Gems like this explaining original jackets' russet color:"...results from oxidation of the dyes." or this from Burt: "Chrome snaps on an A-2 are bogus." I think the best quote in this book has to be "Authentic is a much misused word" (James Goodson)! Boy he isn't kidding! Reading this book is like overhearing a bunch of rowdy drunks in a bar blowholing about quantum mechanics- "Hey- I knew a guy who stepped into a wormhole!" Not one actual reference- crappy photos-interesting only in kind of a sadly comic way.



2. Flight jackets are very special articles of clothing to many (including the preceding reviewers) hence their continued popularity since their inception which the authors tackle on all fronts. Unlike the first reviewer, I LIKE to hear the stories of individuals and their jackets. It adds context and the taps the passion that many feel for the jackets which has led to their special status in the military and civilian marketplace. Conversely, I find the listing of contract numbers and the like boring (there is already a book out on Combat Flying Clothing that covers all USAAF WWII flight gear by Sweeting...I suspect the preceding reviewers have it. THAT's a reference book). I have many books on aircraft specs and history, but many more on tales of aviators and units that are not reference books per se, but tell their stories. Any good aviation library ought to have both. So what is this book? At any rate, it has scores upon scores of newly discovered images of A-2 and G-1 jackets which sets it above the very few other books that deal exclusively with the A-2 and G-1 Flight Jackets. The authors deserve a great deal of credit for unearthing so many "new" images from a wide variety of sources (check the photo credits, they are widespread and no doubt a result of diligent research. Too many times, I see the same "retread" photos used over and over). Is it a definitive reference book?...I don't think it was intended to be one, but it is a gorgeous book with many, many color photographs even from WWII era. I found it to be more than a Flight Jacket Book, it really comes across as an aviation history thorugh the many images that grace the pages. Being a naval aviator myself, I earned a G-1 and found the book to be a rich addition to my collection. I have given it as a gift and recommended it to many others. I'm glad to see it available again as many friends have seen my copy and wanted one for themselves. It would have been nice if the publisher had allowed the authors to update it after 10 years, but I suspect Motorbooks wanted to reprint it as is to avoid the costs associated with doing so. I'm sure the authors would be willing, but they don't make decisions on reprinting, publishers do. Perhaps there will be another opportunity down the road if Motorbooks reads the reviews.



3. As a history of the A-2 and G-1 jackets, this book falls well short. The authors present a weak history of these sought-after jackets that is frequently interrupted by rather dull accounts by former members of the military reminisincing about their personal jackets. Not enough attention is paid to the 20+ wartime manufacturers and the different contracts for the A-2' jacket . In addition, the authors make several technical mistakes in identifying certain models of jackets, such as the A-1 that the author frequently calls a "pre A2" or not mentioning the first version of the G-1 called the M442 or misidentifying a D-1.

   The authors are also well out of date with the current companies manufacturing high end reproductions. If one is interested in these jackets and their history, they would be better severed by starting with the Eastman catalog and Internet sites of History Preservation Association, Lost Worlds, and Aero Leather Clothing.




4. This book, one of the first if not the first one to cover vintage flight jackets, has been out of print for several years now, so it's good to see it available again. On the other hand, this new printing offers no revisions or corrections (including photos printed in left-right reverse and repro jacket makers who no longer exist), and so it still falls way short of being a worthy reference for flight jacket enthusiasts. Some jacket information in the book can be misleading and indicates a lack of fundamental research, even by basic observation. Relating an expression of surprise over hearing of an original A-2 made of goatskin, for instance, does a real injustice to the actual sizable fraction of goatskin A-2's, including entire contract runs. The revision history of the G-1, which has had a much longer life than the A-2, is virtually ignored, including the fact that the designation of "G-1" did not appear in the jacket itself until the late 1940's. While there are some good photos throughout the book, and there is undoubtedly some good and interesting information, more coverage of jacket details would have been appropriate and the credibility does suffer from errors and superficial treatments. With respect to the ever expanding interest in vintage flight jackets and those who wore them, this book makes a good starter for someone wanting to know about the A-2 and G-1, but it's not a definitive reference. And considering the incredibly long and impressive list of people in the Acknowledgments section, it is tempting to wonder how good this book could have been.

2 comments about Uniforms, Arms, and Equipment: The U.S. Army on the Western Frontier 1880-1892 (2-Volume Set).

1. This set is even more grand than Dr. McChristian's previous work on the earlier (1870's) Indian War army. This time he literally doubled the size of the work and went into even greater detail on the subject. He includes plenty of examples of my favorite part of this type of research, that is, soldier modified and soldier fabricated items. There are numerous photos that I had never seen before, and I have studied this subject as an enthusiastic amateur for over three decades. See also the links below:
   
   The U. S. Army In The West 1870-1880 Uniforms, Weapons, and Equipment
   
   The U.s. Army in the West, 1870-1880: Uniforms, Weapons, And Equipment
   
   ARMING & EQUIPPING THE UNITED STATES CAVALRY 1865-1902
   
   The Horse Soldier, 1776-1943, Volume II The Frontier, The Mexican War, The Civil War, The Indian Wars 1851-1880
   
   The Horse Soldier, 1776-1943: The United States Cavalryman : His Uniforms, Arms, Accoutrements, and Equipments : The Last of the Indian Wars, the Sp



2. Doug McChristian's magnificent new two-volume history of the uniforms, arms and equipment of America's army in the West is another brilliant example of how comfortably the mantle of the late Don Rickey as our foremost authority on that subject fits McChristian's shoulders. This two-volume follow up to his outstanding 1995 book, The U. S. Army in the West, 1870-1880: Uniforms, Arms and Equipment, expands McChristian's detailed coverage of the subject from where that book left off. At over 600 pages in two well-organized, beautifully-produced, over-sized volumes, the latter era of the frontier army (1880-92) is exceptionally well covered. Eight full color images and 433 black & white photographs provide historians, collectors and just about anyone interested in the frontier army with a wealth of highly-detailed and valuable information. McChristian's narrative is superb, and goes well beyond merely describing in depth the uniforms, arms and accoutrements of the troops. He sets the stage for his coverage of the era and propels his narrative by explaining the problems that faced military and civilian decision-makers who were desperately trying to come to grips with a "frontier constabulary" force that would soon be forced to emerge on the world stage as the guardians of America's global interests. McChristian's book describes an army on the eve of the War with Spain, the conflict that made the United States a world power.
   Divided into 15 chapters and 5 appendices, McChristian's book is an outstanding reference for collectors and museum curators, as well as being a fascinating account for anyone interested in the history of America's frontier army. My recommendation: Buy this new 2-volume set and McChristian's earlier The U. S. Army in the West, 1870-1880. They represent the "must have" references on America's frontier army and deserve a place in any military history enthusiast's library. And while you're at it, pick up a copy of McChristian's outstanding book, Fort Bowie, Arizona: Combat Post of the Southwest, 1858-1894 (all available on amazon).

3 comments about More Silver Wings, Pinks & Greens: An Expanded Study of USAS, USAAC, & USAAF Uniforms, Wings & Insignia ¥ 1913-1945 Including Civilian Auxiliaries.

1. It seems to date that the author Jon A. Maguire can do no wrong whenever he decides to commit pen to paper. Yet again we have a title that is truly exhaustive in it's coverage of the topic without becoming staid and condescending. Each page is full of highly detailed photographs that describe and illustrate the items perfectly for the collector. His text is articulate, informative and detailed.

   If the American Army Air Forces from the period covered are of interest to you then I can offer you know more words of advice other than buy this book. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.




2. It really is something of a rare event these days when someone writes a scholarly reference work that rapidly becomes a benchmark for others to aspire to, but Jon Maguire just keeps on doing it.

   Keep em coming, keep em flying!




3. This is an extension of the authors first book, Silver Wings, Pinks and Greens. The section on pilot and aircrew wings is once again outstanding. Any serious collector of WWII wings and insignia must add this book to their library. Highly recommended!!

1 comments about Spiked Helmets Of Imperial Germany: Infantry Regiments - Pioneer Battalions - General Officers.

1. If you are an imperial helmet collector, this should be the very first book you should buy. It is well laid out in English, and is a teaching volume. It offers for the collector, text and pictures comparing different types of helmets and the evolution of it that is not laid out in any other book. Bowman tried to do it several decades ago, and failed. The author here has succeeded in spades. A humble man, he starts off with a quote "A complete and absolutely correct study of spiked helmets is impossible to do. There will always be corrections to be made in holes to fill. Many thanks for your understanding." So yes, there are mistakes and yes there are holes, but considering it is only the first volume. It is tremendous. Volume 1 of what is to be at least three volumes. This one covers Infantry Regiments, Pioneer Battalions and General Officers. The book is 256 pages long, hardback and contains pictures that you just don't see elsewhere. The chapter breakdown is chapter one: The Story of the German Spiked Helmet. Chapter 2 : Helmets of the Reserve and Landwehr Troops. Chapter 3: Parade Plumes. Chapter 4: General Officers, General Staff, Adjutants, And Aid de Camp. Chapter 5 Imperial German Infantry Regiments. Chapters 6 Imperial German Pioneer Battalions.
   
   Appendix A. is a regulation for officers and medical officers of 1911.
   Appendix B. Lists the Infantry Regiments of 1914.
   Appendix C. Is the Regulations Related to the Evolution of the Spiked Helmet.
   Appendix D. Pioneer battalions.
   
   The book is 6 x 9 in layout, so not the coffee table size of other Schiffer works. Much of the book consists of pictures of helmets, one per page and dominates the central section of the book the organization of the helmet layout and the completeness is wonderful. The printing of the photography leaves a lot to be desired. You really get the impression that the color separation was poor. It is difficult at times to tell the difference between silver and gilt. Knowing the huge problems the author had with quality control, I can understand a frustration here.
   
   There are certain items in this book that are absolutely invaluable. Appendix C. by itself is amazingly valuable. Appendix Ais translated into English and considerably shortened from the original, but still provides a wonderful resource of the regulation. The discussion of Parade plumes in Chapter 3 is unique in itself. There is a side-by-side lay down of officer and enlisted helmets-- -- this is extremely useful for less experienced collectors. Lots to find here, and loads to learn whether you are an advanced collector or a beginner, this is the book to buy.

1 comments about Trench Art (Shire Library).

1. Very well writen and profusely illustrated. The "bible" on this material, especially from WW I. Floyd McRae, Col, USAF, {Ret}. Western Front Assn.

No comments about German Daggers Of World War II - A Photographic Reference: Army - Luftwaffe - Kriegsmarine.

2 comments about Individual Gear And Personal Items Of The Gi In Europe, 1942-1945 (Schiffer Military History Book).

1. `Individual Gear And Personal Items Of The Gi In Europe, 1942-1945' is a very good companion reference book for the WWII collector. It will provide the serious collector as well as the just curious with thorough information regarding the many personal articles and extras that the American Army took along with them during WWII.



2. I got this book as a companion to what our squad calls "the bible": "GI Issue Collector's Guide" by Henri-Paul Enjames. The "Individual Gear" book covers just what it says: items that a soldier would typically have with them in camp or in the field. Topics include shaving kits, glasses, foot powder, language guides, lighters, cigarrettes, and flashlights, just to name a few. Overall the photoraphy and layout is very good. My only complaint is some of the photos of reflective items (such as watch faces) have a lot of glare on them. But that grumble is because my wife is a photographer and has taught me to look at pictures with a critical eye. The average reader will hardly notice the blips.
   
   I'd highly recommend the book for any serious collector or reenactor.

3 comments about Jet Age Flight Helmets: Aviation Headgear in the Modern Age.

1. Awesome book. Covers the basics of jet era flying headgear. However,
   I would like to have had more information on the versions of the APH-6,
   PRK-37/P, MS-22001, HGU-68/P, etc. Other related books include: Bone
   Domes & Speed Jeans; Vintage Flying Helmets; Flying Headgear of the
   World.



2. Jet Age Flight Helmets is giving a very useful overview of the topic. It is packed with beautiful colour photos making it easy to identify each helmet type. A little more information about the helmets would have been useful and the same goes for an alphabetical index. Nevertheless four stars fully earned.



3. As the co-author, I can say we accomplished what we intended: a photo documentation on operational jet-age flight and space helmets from around the world. As stated in the foreward, with few exceptions, we cover helmets with their major variations that are/were operational, not experimental. Especially interesting are the high-altitude models which are rarely seen and limited in production.

No comments about U.S. Military Vehicles Field Guide: World War II - Present.