3 Military Collecting Books for Beginners: Build Your Collection with Confidence

The breakthrough moment came when Alec A. Purves, a renowned expert in military medals and decorations, crafted this handbook to demystify medal collecting for newcomers. You’ll gain detailed knowledge about the origins and significance of various medals, alongside crucial skills for spotting forgeries, understanding die varieties, and assessing condition—topics often overlooked in similar guides. With clear explanations and helpful illustrations, this book guides you through both basic identification and more nuanced aspects like re-strikes and preservation grading. If you’re starting your collection or aiming to deepen your understanding without getting overwhelmed, Purves’s approach provides a solid, approachable foundation.

Drawing from extensive research into Imperial Germany's military history, Thomas M. Johnson and Thomas T. Wittmann developed this detailed guide to the era's edged weapons. You gain access to thorough studies of WWI military daggers, swords, and even civilian and government-issued blades, with a dedicated chapter on the Imperial Hirschfanger. The book also explores close combat and trench knives, providing specific insights valuable for collectors seeking a focused understanding of these artifacts. If you are new to military collecting or specifically interested in Imperial Germany's edged weapons, this volume offers a clear, structured introduction without overwhelming you with unrelated material.

This tailored book explores the essentials of military collecting through a personalized learning journey designed just for you. It covers foundational topics such as identifying key collectibles, understanding historical contexts, and developing practical skills to build confidence at your own pace. By focusing on your background and interests, this guide removes overwhelm and highlights the most relevant information for your level, making each step approachable and engaging. The book carefully balances broad knowledge with specific insights to help you progress smoothly from beginner to confident collector. With tailored content, you gain a supportive resource that matches your goals and nurtures your passion for military artifacts.

What makes this guide stand out is its clear pathway tailored for newcomers to military medal collecting, a field that can often feel daunting. Colin Narbeth draws on his extensive expertise in military history and collectibles to break down the essential background, realistic collecting goals, and common pitfalls, all within a concise 110-page format. For example, he outlines how to authenticate medals and advises on building a meaningful collection rather than chasing every rare piece. If you're just starting out and want straightforward guidance without getting overwhelmed, this book offers a practical, no-frills introduction that respects your time and curiosity.