Suggestions for Best WWII firearms references for American and German (maybe Russian) firearms
bambihunter
Member Posts: 10,778 ✭✭✭✭
I am not a big reader, so I am looking more for some reference material and less of a regular book. I want to start getting into collecting the firearms of WW2. I quickly get lost when trying to determine why one item is $800, and another is $5,000 that otherwise look identical. That's what I am really after. What details on various models make it more valuable. Like the flaming bomb cartouche, or straw finished Luger. Those types of details, but in-depth. I have been collecting for a long time, just not military arms. So, I know condition, production numbers, etc. are important.
If individual books are better than overarching one might be, here's where I am starting if the right ones come up:
Luger P08, M1A1, Garand, M1 carbine, Walther P.38
*Edited to add that I have author Bruce Canfield previously highly suggested for 4 of the US WWII rifles.
Comments
Two groupings of books there, hand guns and long guns. The top references will not be cheap, most over $100. If that works for you, I can work up a list of 6 -10.
I have "The Luger Story" by John Walter if you want it. Hard cover. PM me and I would send it to you.
The Standard Catalog of Military Firearms by Phillip Peterson is a good basic reference, covering handguns and long guns of the world.
So much information online. Text and videos.
Thanks guys. He Dog, I would like your opinions as I hold them in high regard. Nothing about this hobby is cheap unfortunately.
Grasshopper, that is mighty generous of you. If you no longer want/need it, I'd certainly take you up on it.
Yonson, I just bought that one but haven't received it yet. Glad to hear it suggested again.
Dunbarboyz, yeah, there is a lot of information, and I do watch some videos like Forgotten Weapons. Those give great info such as when/where it was made, functionality, etc, but not really regarding the collectibility of various versions which is much of what I am after; At least to understand it.
Mostly US or European? Both?
Lugers at Random by Charles Kenyon is a good book to have. Covers most of the variations.
Initially, it'll be those firearms listed, probably in that order if nice examples come up. So 2 German pistols, and the US rifles. Eventually that will expand to European and Russian rifles as well. Probably first European rifle will be German Mauser. The SVT-40 is on my short list as well
Wow. Don't think I can list all the books with in arms length (75 or so) . But I know I've spent a $ 1'000 or more on those , just for reference.
My signed Clawson 45 book is showing on Amazon for over $600.00
Mauser Crown Jewels $ 200.00
Olson Mauser Bolt Rifle $ 200 ( first edition signed)
Wow more than I thought, I better insure these.
Ball's Mauser Military Rifles of the World
George Markham Guns of the Reich
Smith & Smith Small Arms of the World ( 4 editions)
Smith & Smith Handguns of the World
Strations Complete series on Enfield Rifles
Janes Pocket Book Of Handguns, Sub-Machine guns
Janes Pocket Book of Rifles and Light Machine Guns
Books on Proof marks, Scope Mounts, Rifle Scopes,
JC Harrison Collectable 03
and so many more………………..
Check your pm's Bambihunter.