John Angolia - Uniforms and Traditions of the German Army 1933-45 - 1987

Up for auction: a trio set of books: 3x Uniforms and Traditions of the German Army 1933-45 by John R. Angolia (published by R. James Bender) — including background, themes, typical contents, and collector appeal.

1500 pages (!!!) of everything in the German Army from Political NSDAP to Foreign Legions, SS, Medical Services, and much, much more....

Infantry equipment, weapons, helmets, etc.

These books are widely regarded as the standard reference on the German Army (Heer) uniforms, insignia, equipment, and traditions between 1933 and 1945.


First editions (Vol. I 1984, Vol. II 1986, Vol. III 1987)
Format: Hardcover

Volumes: I, II, and III (complete set)

Total Pages: Approx. 1,504 pages combined (448 + 416 + 640)

Illustrations: Black-and-white and color photos, diagrams, uniform plates, and illustrations throughout.


What Each Volume Covers
Volume I – General Uniforms and Army Structure

This first volume is an introduction and foundational study of the German Army from 1933 to 1945. It includes:

Overview of the German Army’s organizational development
Detailed studies of service and dress uniforms, tunics, overcoats, and parade dress.
Insignia placement and significance
Collar tabs, shoulder boards, branch colors, and rank markings.
Illustrations and period photos supporting descriptive text.
This volume lays the foundation for understanding the overall framework and evolution of Heer uniforms and traditions.


Volume II – Specialist & Branch Insignia

The second volume expands on specific branches, specialties, and insignia systems. This includes:
Insignia and badges for infantry, artillery, engineers, signals, and specialist troops
Foreign volunteer insignia and badges
Armbands, cuff titles, specialty trade badges
Detailed color plates and black-and-white illustrations
Context on how and when different insignia were introduced or modified.
This volume is especially valuable for identifying obscure unit distinctions and foreign volunteer badges.


Volume III – Equipment, Field Gear & Miscellaneous Traditions

The third volume provides the most extensive coverage of personal equipment, weapons, vehicles, and army traditions:

Detailed descriptions and illustrations of backpacks, webbing, gas masks, helmets, footwear, and field gear.
Small arms, crew-served weapons, and artillery overview
Vehicles and mechanical equipment appearing in Heer service
Flags, musical instruments, and parade gear.
Additional accessories including daggers, swords, and dress accoutrements.
Volume III is unique for its depth on material culture — from trench-used items to elite parade standards.
eMedals

Condition & Physical Description

Complete set of three hardcovers with original bindings.

Books show typical age-related wear consistent with vintage reference books.

Pages are generally clean and intact; illustrations and plates remain clear and legible.

Ideal for collectors, military historians, reenactors, and reference libraries.

Why This Set Is Valuable

This three-volume set is widely regarded as the definitive reference on Wehrmacht Heer uniforms and traditions for the WWII period. It combines:

Authoritative descriptive text drawn from primary sources and German military regulations.

Extensive illustrations and photographs for detailed identification and research.

Comprehensive coverage from general uniform regulations through specialized badges, equipment, field gear, and ceremonial traditions.
Because this series is long out of print, complete sets in good condition are sought after by military book collectors and educational collections.