Over forty years of research has resulted in this exceptional photographic history of life within Colditz Castle, the infamous Second World War prisoner of war camp in Germany, which housed such illustrious names as Douglas Bader, Lorne Welch, Micky Burns and Jack Best. Michael Booker has accumulated a wealth of information from talking to ex-POWs, as well as the German commandant Prawitt and the head of security Captain Eggers. He relates fascinating and hitherto unpublished stories of British, Polish and French prisoners, and their many and varied attempts to escape. In addition, he has amassed a large collection of artefacts and memorabilia, some never seen before, many of which are reproduced throughout this book. Personal recollections abound, and characters like Pat Reid, Dick Howe and Sir Rupert Barry offer their insight into camp activities. This entire collection, sumptuously illustrated, stands as a testament to those who were incarcerated there and is a valuable reference on the subject

As state by publisher on back cover: Worldwide coverage of all the major manufacturers with many color photos, tips on purchasing, focusing and displaying a collection, plus comprehensive listings of periodicals, clubs and toy soldier shows. Chapters include: Solid Figures, Hollow-Cast Figures, Composition Figures, Dimestore Figures, Plastic Figures including UK manufacturers, USA, and European, New Toy Soldiers (all solid, white metal), New Metal Models, Other Materials (from ceramic and porcelain to glass, wood, resin, tin, celluloid and even soap), Souvenir and Memorabilia Toy Soldiers. There is also a chapter on Collecting, Care and Storage of your toy soldiers.

Trench art is the evocative name given to a dazzling array of objects made from the waste of industrialized war. Each object, whether an engraved shell case, cigarette lighter or a pen made from shrapnel, tells a unique and moving story about its maker. For the first time, this book explores in-depth the history and cultural importance behind these ambiguous art forms. Not only do they symbolize human responses to the atrocities of war, but they also act as mediators between soldiers and civilians, individuals and industrial society, and, most importantly, between the living and the dead. Trench art resonates most obviously with the terror of endless bombardment, night raids, gas attacks and the bestial nature of trench life. It grew in popularity between 1919 and 1939 when the bereaved embarked on battlefield pilgrimages and returned with objects intended to keep alive the memory of loved ones. The term trench art is, however, misleading, as it does not simply refer to materials found in the trenches. It describes a diverse range of objects that have in some way emerged from the experience of war all over the world. Many distinctive objects, for example, were made during conflicts in Bosnia, Vietnam, Northern Ireland and Korea. Surprisingly, trench art predates World War I and it can be made in a number of earlier wars such as the Crimean War, the American Civil War, and the Boer War. Saunders looks at the broader issues of what is meant by trench art, what it was before the trenches and how it fits in with other art movements, as well as the specific materials used in making it. He suggests that it can be seen as a bridge between the nineteenth century certainties and the fragmented industrialised values and ideals of the modern world. This long overdue study offers an original and informative look at one of the most arresting forms of art. Spanning from 1800 to the present day, its analysis of art, human experience, and warfare will pave the way for new research.

For those living in Britain between 1939 and 1945, the war was an ever-present reality; reminders were to be found everywhere. Huge numbers of objects relating to the war effort at home - some functional, like gas masks, ARP uniforms and ration books, and others less so, like Hitler chamber pots and toys and games - were manufactured and became commonplace in homes up and down the land.

This book is the first comprehensive and easy to use reference since World War II covering prominent German wartime plastics manufacturers and products. Aimed squarely at World War II German militaria, ordnance, and small arms collectors, the author provides a concise account of the constituents and manufacturing processes, markings, codes, trademarks and material identification techniques of wartime Kunststoff products.

The German belt buckle has long fascinated collectors. Now this full color volume will help collectors to identify their buckles and avoid purchasing reproductions. They will also find how to date and identify manufacturer's marks. Only genuine buckles have been used for illustration, together with all their blemishes - except where noted. Obverse and reverse are shown so that collectors can make direct comparison. All buckles are shown with prices in U.S. Dollars and Sterling. The prices indicate both the high and low end of the market and have been diligently researched. For the first time information on the early RZM marks is brought to collectors and many details of buckle construction are presented with comparisons between genuine buckles and reproductions. Latest reproductions are covered in detail. Period photos and illustrations have been used where possible to show buckles in actual use. Some 800 illustrations and photos are used throughout the book. New drawings of maker's marks have been prepared and include many not previously documented.