Two collections that give me a great deal of enjoyment are my library and my helmet collection.
Among my book collection is a short shelf of helmet references, most of which are very good, and I'd like to share them here.
For both the beginning and the seasoned collector good reference works are essential in not only the identification helmets, but also in detecting the original article from that which has been "restored" or otherwise tampered with.
Stahlhelm, Evolution of the German Steel Helmet Floyd R.Tubbs
I have a soft spot in my heart for this book as it was my first helmet reference book that I bought from Mr. Tubbs himself. Floyd was generous in his sage advice and I wish I'd had more opportunities to talk helmets with him. This slim volume is by no means comprehensive but, with its many black-and-white photos and exquisite drawings, this book will provide essential information for the novice collector, and much enjoyment for the more experienced. A golden oldie that I'm proud to have on my reference shelf.
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Combat Helmets of the World/Elmetti de combattimento di tutto il mondo (English and Italian Edition) Paolo Marzetti
If there is an essential work for the helmet collector, this is it. This is my go-to book when looking for quick identification of helmets. This is by no means an exhaustive study on helmets, rather a photo encyclopedia of the helmets of the world. This book is especially important for the beginning collector. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Marzetti is the master.
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Germany's Combat Helmets - 1933 - 1945: A Modern Study Ken Niewiarowicz
Perhaps not exhaustive, but very nearly so, this work by Niewiarowicz, paired with the book by Ludwig Baer, may be the only volumes a collector really needs on the subject of German helmets. Rich with both information and outstanding color photos, this book provides essential guidance for the beginning collector as well as endless enjoyment for the more experienced collector. This is a real prize on my reference shelf. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Whew! I've gotta go lie down.
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Wehrmacht Combat Helmets 1933-45 (Elite) Brian C. Bell
Although the back cover blurb purports this to be a "masterclass" on the identification and collecting of Wehrmacht combat helmets; that may be a little bit of an overstatement. What it is is a very good overview of the German helmet. Although a very slim volume (unexpectedly so) this book contains a great deal of information. I think that it provides a great service for the beginning collector in avoiding the pitfalls of pricey helmets that have been tampered with or are outright fakes. The author is an experienced collector and dealer who has an excellent website filled with additional information as well as some very choice offerings. I would recommend this book to the novice for guidance and enjoyment for the experienced. It's far from exhaustive but, nonetheless, a really fine reference that I'm happy to have on my reference shelf. I recommend it.
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Tin Lids: Canadian Combat Helmets Roger V. Lucy
Roger Lucy, a seasoned and top-shelf collector puts it all together in this slim volume. A compreshensive study that could only be improved by the inclusion of color photographs - something I would have paid for, considering the quality of this book. One my think that the Canadian military helmet represents only a narrow band of color in the combat helmet spectrum, but Mr. Lucy brings depth and illustration to the full range of Canadian "Tin Lids". This is a welcome addition to my reference shelf. I'd recommend it as guidance for the beginning collector, and enjoyment for the more seasoned.
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Helmets and Body Armor in Modern Warfare Bashford Dean
This is the seminal work for the helmet collector. Bashford Dean was instrumental in the design of the venerable US M1 helmet. Written in 1920 This volume traces the helmets and body armor of the early 20th century to that of the classical period of European suits of armor. Detailed are the design and manufacture of the m1917, 1917 A1, and all of the experimental models in the run-up to the development of the M1. this is an essential primary source for your reference library.
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Russian Helmets: from Kaska to Stalshlyem 1916-2001 Robert W. Clawson
This may be the best reference on Soviet helmets, but I think it may also be the only reference on Soviet helmets. Considering the stature of the author, I was expecting an exhaustive study. This is, rather, an overview in a very slim volume. More Floyd Tubbs than Ludwig Baer, nonetheless an essential work for the reference shelf. It provides good guidance for the beginning collector, and enjoyment for the more seasoned collector. I'd give it four (out of five) stars.
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Steel Pots : The History of America's Steel Combat Helmets, Volume 1 Chris Armold
Armold's book, coupled with Mary Reynosa's book on the M1, are an unbeatable combination. Although small in format, this volume abundant reference information as well as color photographs of many, many M1 helmets of all branches and configurations. This is an essential work for the collector's reference shelf. Informative for novice and experienced alike.
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Painted Steel: Steel Pots, Vol. 2 Chris Armold
Paired with volume one - Steel Pots - Armold delivers the goods. In the minefield that is the collecting of painted and marked helmets, Armold, through many, many color photos provides essential information for the collector - novice or experienced - looking to avoid the fakes that have become the bane of the hobby. The M1 books by Armold and Mark Reynosa are an unbeatable combination for your reference bookshelf.
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The History of the German Steel Helmet (1916-1945) Ludwig Baer
Not quite exhaustive but nearly so and absolutely essential. This book, coupled with that of Ken Niewiarowicz are the only references a collector - novice or experienced, will need on the subject of German helmets of the Second World War. A gem on my reference shelf. Ludwig Baer is a master.
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The M-1 Helmet: A History of the U.S. M-1 Helmet in World War II (Schiffer Military History) Mark A. Reynosa
This is a first-rate reference on the venerable M1 helmet. Though perhaps not exhaustive, this work is nothing if not comprehensive. It provides essential guidance for the novice as well as real enjoyment for the experienced collector. It's a very fine book and I highly recommend it.
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Post-World War II M-1 Helmets an Illustrated Study (Schiffer Military History)
Mark A. Reynosa
Reynosa never disappoints. The post-war M1s are always overshadowed by their elder brothers of the Second World War but this volume gives the new guys their due. Perhaps not exhaustive, but nearly comprehensive this is an essential work for beginner and experienced collectors alike. A welcome addition to my reference shelf.
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The History of the Steel Helmet in the First World War: Vol 1: Austro-Hungary, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany (v. 1)
Michael J. Haselgrove & Branislav Radovic
Very attractive, large-format, nicely bound, with beautiful color photos of some superb examples of WWI helmets, this book is nonetheless more of a niche coffee table book than a reference. The text is sparse and the information is paltry in comparison to other books listed here.
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Helmets of the First World War: Germany, Britain & Their Allies (Schiffer Military History Book) Michael J. Haselgrove & Branislav Radovic
This large-format, nicely bound, and altogether handsome book provides a treasure-trove of large, high quality color photographs. Visually this book is stunning. Where it is lacking, however, is in essential information; the text is sparse and the information is paltry. This is more a niche coffee table book than an essential reference. Despite that, I'm happy to have both volumes one and two.
