The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross

[Dallas]

Does anyone here own or have they seen the following book? The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross by Dietrich Maerz (Author). It retails for about $125.00. I am just wondering if the book is worth the price. Here is a link to the Amazon page.

Amazon.com: The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross: Dietrich Maerz: Books

[cyberia]

Originally Posted by Dallas

Does anyone here own or have they seen the following book? The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross by Dietrich Maerz (Author). It retails for about $125.00. I am just wondering if the book is worth the price. Here is a link to the Amazon page.

Amazon.com: The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross: Dietrich Maerz: Books

There are two Books by that title, and I have them both. The one by Maerz is for the serious collector of the IC and from what I have been told, a must have if that is your reason for considering it. Right now I have out on load to a colleague from work who does just that.

The other is by Gordon Williamson, and is a study not only if the Knights Cross and its grades, but of all those who won the award with bios on each.

Williamson also has a companion book, "The Iron Cross- A History 1813-1957".

Both are excellent and although I purchased them as part of a collection, I think they retail for around $30 a piece.

[Dallas]

I have the small Williamson book on the history of the Iron Cross. The larger Williamson book is out of print. It sells for well over $100.00, if you can find one. Neither of these are Osprey titles obviously. My main concern with the Maerz book is I don't want to pay $125.00 for just a few pretty pictures. I will only consider the book if there is some substantial information as well.

[cyberia]

Tell you what, I'll call down and see what the guy who has it now has to say. He's a pretty serious collector and should have an opinion on the book's worth.

[Dallas]

Thanks that would be great.

[cyberia]

Dallas, talked to Marc last night and he said he thinks enough of the book to want to purchase a copy of his own for reference. He feels that the history of IC the the book details is great, but the attention to detail on the actual awards is a must.

He feels that given the price tags on these collectibles, and the "quality" of some of the fakes out there, the book would pay for itself just by pointing out the potential purchase of one fake.

He also said he has a few old "collectors guides" doubles he no longer wants and if you were interested he'll give them to me to pass on to you.

[Dallas]

Well looks I'm buying a book once I get my refund. As for the doubles YES I am very interested. I'll PM you my address when you are ready to send them and of course I will pay for postage.

[cyberia]

Originally Posted by Dallas

Well looks I'm buying a book once I get my refund. As for the doubles YES I am very interested. I'll PM you my address when you are ready to send them and of course I will pay for postage.

I asked Marc to email me copies of the book covers so you can be sure you want them. I've seen his collection. It's pretty dam impressive.

[Dallas]

Just read in Time (or was it Newsweek), that the Iron Cross is now officially out as a possible decoration. To many complaints about it's Nazi past. To bad, I would have loved to see it come back.

[Wustenfuchs]

I heard that too. Here's one I've been wondering about, do Japanese ships serving in the Gulf fly the "Rising Sun" battle flag??? Is that outlawed too?