Warman's World War II Collectibles, 3rd Ed.: Exploring and understanding World War II relics

The expand and updated edition of Warman’s World War II Collectibles by John Adams-Graf explores the ‘spoils of war’ in a respectful, informative, inspiring, and intelligent manner.

In the pages of this new edition readers will find the most commonly found items of the 21st century, used by soldiers representing the U.S., Great Britain, Germany, and Japan, among other countries, between 1939 and 1945.

The book is divided into eight chapters:
• Uniforms and footwear
• Headgear
• Accouterments
• Medals
• Firearms
• Bayonets/knives/daggers/swords
• Personal items
• Groupings

Each chapter features listings for various artifacts, accompanied by full-color images (1,800 in all). In the introduction, Adams-Graf sums up the overall benefits of this book, nicely, saying:

“Using Warman’s World War II Collectibles, the non-collector will be able to evaluate military objects that he or she may find in attics, closets, flea markets, garage sales, or thrift stores. This book is also for the families who encounter a box or trunk in an attic filled with the souvenirs and remembrances of a relative’s service to his or her country. Often, they just want to know what ‘Dad’s old army stuff’ is worth. This book will answer those questions.”

Sample page from the groupings section.

In similar books, chapter introductions are easy to gloss over, as the reader anxiously seeks to ‘dig in’ to the details of the new section. However, that shouldn’t be the case with this book, as some of the most valuable and helpful details are included in the introductions, such as the rating chart at the beginning of each chapter. Three key factors are explained in each chart: Availability of items to be found, Price ranges and Reproduction Alert.

In his greeting to readers Adams-Graf also touches on what the book is not: A comprehensive price guide, a complete identification resource of World War II, or a book produced solely for use by the most seasoned collector of World War II collectibles. With that said, what the book is, is a combination of reliable details about war relics, personal reflections from veterans and collectors alike, historical information, quality photographs, and a well-researched glimpse at the most common World War II artifacts and ‘real-world’ values, presented in a reverent manner.

It’s more than a reference book; it’s a means of honoring the sacrifices of millions, and better understanding the history and essential need for preserving relics of World War II.

About the Author: John Adams-Graf, who has a Master of Arts degree in historical administration and worked in the museum profession for 20 years, is a lifelong military collector. He is the longtime editor of Military Traderand Military Vehicles Magazine and also catalogs collections for prominent militaria dealers and auction companies. He is the author of a number of books, including Warman’s Civil War Collectibles(1st and 2nd editions), Warman’s World War II Collectibles (1st edition), Standard Catalog of Civil War Firearms, Badgers for the Union, and U.S. MRAP Vehicles in Action.