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**Perry Floyd** · 07-01-2002, 07:17 PM

I have'nt seen this one yet, is it in a large format as well?
If you notice in all of Schiffer pub. works, alot of Shea's collection is in it.
I've been told Robert Kurtz is Schiffer's German militaria guy, so Shea and Kurtz must be good friends...
It's a common occurance in reference works it seems. Take Ludwig Baers book, 90% of the Luft. and para helmets pictured were George Petersons at the time.
Most reference books will feature the authors own collection and pieces from two or three close friends..nothing really wrong with that but yes, more diversity is better..

**Joe** · 07-01-2002, 07:21 PM

I just received the book from Bill today. I have'nt read it yet. Just flipped through it. I'm very impressed with it. I think it's well worth the price.
Joe

**Joe** · 07-01-2002, 07:31 PM

Perry
The book's about 8 1/2 x 11 1/4

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**John Hodgin** · 07-01-2002, 07:55 PM

Hi Perry,

I could be wrong but I think Robert Kurtz is merely a pen name. Robert Kurtz was Col. Kurtz in "Apocalypse Now". I believe Bob Biondi is Schiffer's photographer/German Militaria guy.

John

**Perry Floyd** · 07-01-2002, 11:42 PM

Thanks for the correction John. Do you know if he is a collector?
What's the price of the book?

**Luftm40** · 07-02-2002, 05:07 AM

I thought Bob Biondi was the publisher? Book is about $79.00

**Bill D.** · 07-02-2002, 07:33 AM

I'm speculating a little here, but I think that this book was quite a while in the making. Over that perod of time a number of good caps came (and went) through Bill Shea's hands as a dealer, and while he had them they were photographed and studied for the book.

**Luftm40** · 07-02-2002, 11:18 AM

Bill, you are correct! I bought my book from a local Norfolk gun store owner who dabbles in militaria. I probably could have gotten it cheaper elsewhere, but I like to support the local biz. Anyway, when I was thumbimg thru the book in his store, I noticed an artillery visor that looked just like mine...in fact, it was mine. I bought it from Bill about three years ago. Kind of neat I guess to have a "published" artifact

**lenny** · 07-02-2002, 07:15 PM

I'm expecting Gary's book to arrive any day now. Coming air mail over here to Bonnie Scotland.

I know Gary, he's one of the members of my Militaria Collector's Network, so he does use the Internet.

He worked a long time on this book, putting a huge amount of effort into it, and I'm really looking forward to getting it!

**Gary F** · 07-06-2002, 07:37 AM

Photographic references

Hi,

I'm new here! I enjoy collecting German headgear, and so I just bought a copy of the Collector's Guide from Barnes and Noble, which is somehow managing to sell it for a low price (which means the author will get little, if any royalty, if I understand how the system works). Andy said that most pics were from Bll Shea, but if you read Wilkins' acknowledgements, it's clear that most of the Bill Shea caps he used were all items that were later sold (i.e. not Shea's personal collection), and were used as subjects while they happened to be available. And who else but dealers these days have access to such a variety? I'm not rich, I sure couldn't afford to own a collection of all the examples used. And, I believe this is his first book - he probably did not have much access to advanced collections and so why not a dealer? Actually, when you really look at the captions, it's pretty clear that by far the majority of the examples used were provided by Gerard Stezelberger (Relic Hunter?), not Bill Shea, and the Stezelberger caps were part of a collection. Likewise, if you read through the author's introduction, it seems clear to me that he is not against cyber shopping at all - he just warns that this medium is by far the easiest in which to get rooked, since everything is done visually (and the easiest place to market fakes is through auction sites). I've had some money nicked myself before, by bad dealers through the internet - wish I'd had this book then.

Gary Franks were

**Luftm40** · 07-06-2002, 10:31 AM

Don't get me wrong! This is a superb book. I've basically read it cover to cover now, and am very impressed by Mr. Wilkins' extensive research. I think this will fast become the "bible" of headgear collecting. Regarding Bill Shea...he is one of the only dealers I would ever buy a piece of German headgear from, and I have been dealing with him for years. He's one of the good guys, and probably as good a choice as any for sourcing pics of original items. But with almost all the pics coming from two dealers, and a forward by one of the same, there could be a perception that the book is just some kind of a sales pitch. I say that because Schiffer has done that in the past (e.g. their belt buckle book). I really don't think that to be the case with the Wilkins book, but it's credibility might have boosted even higher had there been examples from many different sources. Overall it is excellent

**Gordon Williamson** · 07-06-2002, 10:33 AM

I got my signed copy direct from Gary a few days back and it is certainly the most interesting book on headgear yet published with great information and details on constrcution, materials and info on all the cap makers themselves.
My only gripe, as a KM collector was that the section on Navy stuff was rather short and there was no mention at all of the Donald Duck cap

. Overall though a great book and a must for every headgear collector. Gary has done a great job.

Gordon

**kennethc** · 03-30-2003, 12:30 AM

I bought Gary's book from Barnes and Nobles. It ariived with a
torn jacket. I mentioned to Gary about the condition of the book.
Gary send me a parcel with a NEW book cover (plate) inside and signed
note. Gary is 100% definitely a responsible author and friendly
,meticulous in his writing, detail and low profile guy with tremendous knowledge A+ in German heargears.

Let's support this Author!

regards
ken

**George Stimson** · 03-30-2003, 01:23 AM

I got this book when I began doing research before buying some visor caps. It's really great, although Gordon's right about it being somewhat lacking in the KM department.

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Gary Wilkins Headgear book by Schiffer

Gary Wilkins Headgear book by Schiffer

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