Jan's New Helmet Book

[M35]

This isn't a helmet per se but it is certainly helmet related. I have just received my copy of Jan Meland's new book "German Helmets 1916-1945" and I must say it is great! Even with all the online resources available today, there is nothing that beats a good book. We never stop learning and books are an invaluable permanent resource to have and to use. Jan’s new book embodies that concept perfectly. You might think that we don't need yet another helmet book, with all the helmet books currently available today, some of them excellent references. But Jan brings together all the current collective wisdom of the helmet collecting community to include shells, paint, decals, liners, rivets, chinstraps, markings, camouflage, covers, wires, and more. It covers all the combat branches with a separate section on paratrooper helmets. An easy reference in large format, all backed up with superb LARGE photographs. It is an easy to read narrative that is useful to the beginning collector, the advanced collector, and everyone in between. It is very interesting to see the hobby from the perspective of a collector residing in a northern European country that was conquered and occupied by the Germans in WWII, and the source of much equipment left behind at the end of that war. I'm sure you will want to read this book cover to cover for pure pleasure, and then go back frequently to research questions you have when evaluating a helmet you already own or are considering to buy. Well done Jan!

Mods feel free to move this posting elsewhere if you feel it is inappropriate here.

Cheers,
Terry

[4th division]

I can only say the same - a real must have for any helmet collector; novice or advanced!

[Yeoman]

It's a very handsome book indeed and Jan is a very pleasant fellow to do business with.

[Paul.B.]

What is the Title of the book and where is it available?

[Andy F-P]

Can someone tell me where I buy this book please?
Thanks,
Andy

[IanC]

Member Schwerpunkt has a fantastic review of this book on his site which includes a how to order:

This is a self published book so first editions may sell out fast. You can order it directly from the author via this e-mail : janmeland@hotmail.com

Schwerpunkt blog posts are must reads especially his observations on the latest fakes on various dealer site and I recommend adding your email to the "Follow Blog update"

[Andy F-P]

Thanks Ian. Really useful information.

[FrenchVolunteer]

Hi,

to help Jan selling his book and promote Frank blog, i'm including below the review of Frank (one of the real specialists on the WAF helmet subforum) from his highly recommended blog "German Helmet Vault" :

https://germanhelmetvault.com/2020/0...ets-1916-1945/

Pictures courtesy of germanhelmetvault.com.

See You

Vince

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jan Meland’s German Helmets 1916 – 1945

234 pages – Hardcover (in English)

About the Author

I know the author from the online forums for more than 14 years. He made it his trademark to source helmets out of the Norwegian woodwork. On regular basis we are treated with topics on his new finds on the German Helmet Walhalla forum. In 2014 he published his first book showcasing his Norwegian finds. With this new book he takes it a step further and goes into detail about the specifics of the German helmet.

Book Review

The book starts with a very nicely detailed chapter on the first German steel helmets as used during World War 1 and moves on to what we collectors call the Transitional helmets , First World war helmets re-used in the Third Reich period.

Gladiator style helmets and the Medium weight Edelstahl helmets are only touched upon briefly and then it moves on full speed ahead to the German combat helmet models. Of each model (M35 , M40 and M42) we get chapters with nice examples of each branch of service (Heer, Luftwafe , Polizei , Kriegsmarine and SS). Helmets shown are from the author’s collection or from friends.

Also the for the first time published is the correlation between leather size stamps and liner band makers

After those chapters the book dives deeper into the specifics , these are my favorite pages especially because there are so many photos that can be used as a visual aid. We get to see the many different shell stamps , learn about the liner band and all its components. The chinstrap maker section is probably the largest brought together to date. I counted more than 90 photos ! Also the for the first time published is the correlation between leather size stamps and liner band makers. This study was done by 2 Italian collectors Andrea and Marco. The decals are up next and get a detailed breakdown by type and branch. The decal photos are really superb.

There’s an excellent chapter on reissued helmets and camo helmets

The above is just a review of the first half of the book and there is much more. There’s an excellent chapter on reissued helmets and camo helmets including winter camo helmets , wire camo’s and net camo helmets of which most were found in Norway. Even Wehrmacht and SS cloth covers are shown in detail. The final chapter of the book is about Fallschirmjäger helmets.

The photos in the book are of very high quality

Conclusion

This book is a must have for anyone interested in German combat helmets of the second World war be it as collector or history buff. The photos in the book are of very high quality and every chapter is supported by period photos as well.

How to order ?

This is a self published book so first editions may sell out fast. You can order it directly from the author via this e-mail : janmeland@hotmail.com

[eubank]

Cheers. Might be quite useful to also put this in the helmet section. How much is it ?

[zook]

Glad to see these reviews! - I ordered a copy a few days ago and can't wait to get it! It looks like a lot of great care went into the details, layout and production. Dan

[M35]

Cheers. Might be quite useful to also put this in the helmet section. How much is it ?

I put this thread in the helmet section to start and it was moved here. I believe Jan is selling them himself for around $70 to $75 including shipping. There is a link on one of the replies above. Good book worth owning!

Cheers,
Terry

[eubank]

Thanks Terry, looks like a very useful book , the price sounds about right. Does it deal in detail and accurately ( as far as one can ever tell ) with lot numbers and years of manufacture?

[M35]

He does not go into great detail about lot numbers. I believe he references the published lists. Pretty much every other aspect is covered - all the latest info on decals, chinstraps, liners, paint, and so on.

Cheers,
Terry

[Robert H]

reminds me on Ken N. books.

[HAF]

reminds me on Ken N. books.

same here