Suggestions for Best WWII firearms references for American and German (maybe Russian) firearms
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.
-
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.
0 -
I have "The Luger Story" by John Walter if you want it. Hard cover. PM me and I would send it to you.
6 -
The Standard Catalog of Military Firearms by Phillip Peterson is a good basic reference, covering handguns and long guns of the world.
9 -
So much information online. Text and videos.
3 -
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.3 -
Mostly US or European? Both?
0 -
Lugers at Random by Charles Kenyon is a good book to have. Covers most of the variations.
0 -
He Dog: 32593601129627/comments/32593591040923
Mostly US or European? Both?
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
0 -
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………………..
3 -
Check your pm's Bambihunter.
3
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
10 comments