German Helmet Resource Book - 'Germany's Combat Helmets 33-45' by Ken N

[Blackdog]

£267 is insane. I brought a copy of this book last year from a dealer at my local militeria fair, after abit of haggling I got it for £65 brand new.

[real steel]

This was the cheapest I could find it. a 'new' copy is £267, although the copy I have is as good as new fortunately.
You'd think Ken would want to print some more via his publishers if the demand is there?
It doesn't look like they're much cheaper in the USA either.
Nick.

He just finished a couple years ago with his second printing. After the first, they were seen online in the area of $400-450 USD.

[Watchdog]

He just finished a couple years ago with his second printing. After the first, they were seen online in the area of $400-450 USD.

That's market forces sadly. A specialist publication is restricted to a fairly small production run because of costs versus demand. Then if demand outstrips supply prices become unrealistic but the author does not benefit because he sold everything to distributors and even they don't benefit because they have no stock left. Enter the used book seller! The problem then is that a small re-run to cater for the extra demand is not viable again because of cost per unit. We in "niche" markets are a bit stuffed really! Sorry to go on about economics but it's a bit like a book on underwater cycling, if you can't sell a million copies in paperback it doesn't matter how good the content the cover price will be high. Then, somebody who didn't get a copy on release but now wants one, well... we know how it goes!


I guess we the collectors will pay if we want the goods

Regards

Mark

[Schwerpunkt]

It is a very good book , just watch out for the round bottom DRK , the 2nd RAD type decal and the Org Todt.

[real steel]

That's market forces sadly. A specialist publication is restricted to a fairly small production run because of costs versus demand. Then if demand outstrips supply prices become unrealistic but the author does not benefit because he sold everything to distributors and even they don't benefit because they have no stock left. Enter the used book seller! The problem then is that a small re-run to cater for the extra demand is not viable again because of cost per unit. We in "niche" markets are a bit stuffed really! Sorry to go on about economics but it's a bit like a book on underwater cycling, if you can't sell a million copies in paperback it doesn't matter how good the content the cover price will be high. Then, somebody who didn't get a copy on release but now wants one, well... we know how it goes!


I guess we the collectors will pay if we want the goods

Regards

Mark

That book situation was strange. It was released in 2009, a bunch of helmet heads bought it..about $50. A dealer bought about 50 copies & could not move them. Ken had boxes of them in his basement. I would set up at shows with him, he would put 5 or 6 copies on his table for sale, nobody wanted to pay the $50-60 for it. What to do ?

Then in about 2011 maybe, they started selling. Everyone sold out & that is when gougers were asking $450 on ebay & other sites. A show in Belgium I believe had a 400euro on it.
So Ken & the publisher decided just a few years ago to release a second printing, those are gone too. Some sudden interest but strange how it took years to be desired.

[Martin Bull]

It can turn up in unexpected places - I found my new copy in London's Ian Allan bookshop last year for £55 IIRC. Whatever - as others have said, it is a fine resource and with helmet prices the way they are, if it prevents you making one mistaken purchase, you've recouped your money...and learned a lot about German helmets in the process !

[Blackdog]

I will just add, the guy who sold it, was solely a militeria book dealer (some real obscure titles) All new, no second hand and mine is the 3rd print run - maybe thats the reason for the price I paid. But as said, a very well put together book on lids.

[real steel]

OOH...I stand to amend my report. I was wrong

1st edition 12/2009
2nd 03/2010
3rd 2015

Ken would like a 4th...but the publisher is not showing any aggression at the moment

[HoundsTooth]

It is a very good book , just watch out for the round bottom DRK , the 2nd RAD type decal and the Org Todt.

Thanks Frank - are these fake decals in the book? What's wrong with them?
My copy is the 3rd print i think.
Nick.

[admiral]

It's a great book, I've bought it a week ago for 25 euro's on an online auction on a pdf format, it's a great alternative for the real book, because now I can also put it on my mobile phone or tablet or both and compare the helmets in a museum or military auction without carrying the book.