Niemann Guide 2nd Edition

[torstenbel]

I just received Detlev Niemann's new second edition guide through the mail and it is huge... what do you guys think of its contents, presentation and prices? Cheers, Torsten.

[DanCz]

It is one of many such photo references - - in my view all of them are essential for the serious collector in this age of the superfake - - - this volume is however one of the better ones becuase of of its huge coverage and because it is affordable.

I never pay much attention to prices - - - if you do not pay what is asked for an item you dont get it - - but sometimes you can get a bargain. In my opinion Third Reich material is overpriced - - just try selling stuff !! In addition, there are so many convincing fakes - - it is not a hobby for the inexperienced collector - so the more books the better !!! But remember they are not infallible.

[torstenbel]

It is one of many such photo references - - in my view all of them are essential for the serious collector in this age of the superfake - - - this volume is however one of the better ones becuase of of its huge coverage and because it is affordable.

I never pay much attention to prices - - - if you do not pay what is asked for an item you dont get it - - but sometimes you can get a bargain. In my opinion Third Reich material is overpriced - - just try selling stuff !! In addition, there are so many convincing fakes - - it is not a hobby for the inexperienced collector - so the more books the better !!! But remember they are not infallible.

You are right about prices in guide books...my motto is 'anything is only worth as much as you can sell it for or is only worth as much as you are willing to pay for it', but it is good to have these guides to get some kind of idea of the scarcity of an item...I have also leaved through the 5-volume Nimmergut books and of course Detlev's does not come even close to those, but then, his book does not cost 1000 Euros and it does cover a lot...Cheers, Torsten.

[Chris Taylor]

I think it's a great reference, especially covering vet, Weimar & Friekorps items.

But as DanCz said, prices can be really subjective what with supply & demand esentially being the backbone of our hobby. But it does give you a good idea for a jumping off point.

[MH184]

With the exception of a couple of dubious packets..'not for your collection' as they say, a very good reference.