In "The Helmet Decals of the Third Reich" the author Ken Niewiarowicz, together with his co-author Anders Lehrman, categorizes and analyses in depth for the first time in the history of helmet collecting the decals of the Third Reich. The research starts with the Reichswehr in spring 1918 and ends with a detailed look at decals of the foreign legions of the Waffen-SS. On over 330 pages the authors have compiled the most complete compendium on this topic, including the latest research about the so-called "Champagne Decal." The book is in full color and has more than 1000 photos.

The Helmet Decals of the Third Reich

Ken Niewiarowicz

B&D Publishing LLC

Throughout the 1970s and on occasion in the 1980s while home on leave from the military, I would patrol the wide and bountiful aisles of the Ohio Gun Collectors Association show, which was one of the greatest gun shows of the old era. It was a superb source for military items as well as weapons, because so many gun collectors at that time were erstwhile militaria buffs. Most were also WWII veterans, and they sometimes brought their own souvenirs to sell. It was common to purchase quality original German helmets there, and the favorite thing to do was get there as early as possible and zoom up and down the aisles hoping to find a jewel for the collection. I recall from that era a few faces of the competition other young collectors who pursued the same prizes; one of them being Ken Niewiarowicz. 
 The reason I tell this story is to provide the reader some indication of how long Ken has been a student of German helmets. Not only the length of time, but the originality of the specimens he was obtaining, are important factors here. Ken learned originality, learned what he liked, and stuck with it, building upon his knowledge over the years. The fruits of his efforts include a world-class website featuring fine original helmets and now, a superbly researched and authoritative work on German helmets arguably the new standard for all authors on the subject. 
 Delving into the chapters, one can see evidence of exhaustive effort in seeking out original helmets from some of the best US and international collections, the finest examples of which are presented here accompanied by a text composed of facts and observations layed out in a direct and cohesive manner. Myself having trod this path, I can attest to the patience which it requires. But Ken has gotten the job done and the quality and value of this effort are evident. 
 In terms of enhancing the modern study of original German WWII helmets, Ken s methodical approach in analyzing finishes, lot numbers, and corresponding decals of so many fine examples constitutes an important building block of updated forensic study that will benefit all collectors into the future. Therefore, it is my view that this book is the most definitive and complete work available on Third Reich helmets, and will quickly become the cornerstone of helmet collecting literature. 
 Kelly Hicks, LTC, US Army (Ret.)

Germany's Combat Helmets - 1933 - 1945: A Modern Study

R. J. Bender Publishing

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Books by Ken Niewiarowicz

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ken Niewiarowicz. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Helmet Decals of the Third Reich

Germany's Combat Helmets - 1933 - 1945: A Modern Study