Reference material is something you collect along side your awards and as one grows, so will the other. The role of reference books has to be clearly understood. They are an irreplaceable tool, but they have some limitations. Some of the books have been published years ago, and so it is impossible to expect that they would be up to date with the latest reproductions. What they do provide you with is basic knowledge, information that such as the parts of an award or the different metals used if their construction. Once you possess this basic knowledge, the finer details of each individual award will be much easier to understand. In addition, they provide us with information surrounding the award, such as criteria, numbers awarded and time frame awarded. Many include interesting recipient biographies and the context in which the particular award fit into the overall award structure of the Third Reich.

New and experience collectors use the books in a different way. A new collector dedicates time to study the books, while an experienced collector uses them merely when he need to identify a very rare piece, or can not remember the specifications a particular award. Nonetheless, they will accompany you through your journey in this field.

Below is a list of some of the Militaria books in my library, and my thoughts on them. In general, something can be gained from every book, though there are a couple of books that I excluded intentionally because their contribution to the collectors’ community is almost negligible.

In addition, here are books that have been recommended by other collectors, and which do not necessarily deal only with medals and decorations.

• Collectors Guide to Sturmabteilung Insignia (by David Fuller).
• Pickelhauben (by Eric Johansson).
• Uniforms, Organization and History of the Panzertruppe (by Roger James Bender & Warren W. Odegard).
• Uniforms of the Panzer Troops 1917-to the present (by Joerg M Hormann).
• Uniforms of the Infantry 1919-to the present by Joerg M. Hormann. Refer to #4 for an opinion.
• Orders, Decorations, Medals and Badges of the 3rd Reich (by David Littlejohn and C.M. Dodkins)
• World War II German Military Collectibles (by Robert McCarthy).
• Regalia (by Jack Pia).
• SS Regalia (by Jack Pia).
• Wings of World War II (by Russell J. Huff).
• Uniforms and Insignia of the German Foreign Office and Government Ministries 1938-1945 (by Jill Halcomb).
• The SA (by Jill Halcomb).
• SS Uniforms, Insignia, & Accoutrements by A. Hayes.
• SS Helmets (by Kelly Hicks).
• Hitler's Favorite Political Badges and Decorations (by Mickey Huffman).
• Fascinating Relics of the Third Reich (by Robert J. Lee).
• Collector's Guide to Liberated Adolf Hitler Memorabilia (volumes I&II) (by Mark D. Griffith).
• Belt Buckles & Brocades of the 3rd Reich (by John Angolia).
• Gorgets of the 3rd Reich (by Richard Deeter and Warren Odegard).
• The Hitler Youth (by David Littlejohn).

Some basic equipment which you should have includes a 10 power jewelers loop, a good ruler and a magnet. The jewelers loop will help you see things like manufacturers’ marks and strike marks. It is important to be able to clearly see these, and this twenty dollar piece of the equipment will help you do just that.

The ruler may be picked up from any stationary store, just make sure it reads Imperial as well as metric. The magnet may be useful mostly if you intent to collect Iron Crosses (it just never hurts to have one).