Introduction to Third Reich Documents

After several years of research I am able to introduce you to the companion volume (the 2nd Edition of the 1993 Forman's Guide Series (Bender, USA). The wealth of material found during European trips and received through the post has been enormous thanks I many individuals. Originally, my goal was to gather from 350-500 illustrations for this study but these figures more than doubled giving me an excellent grouping to choose from. These will illustrate not only this volume but also volume 2. Of all those received, only a small number were rejected as either fakes, copies, or at best, doubtful.

The reader will note, particularly in the Knight's Cross grades, what appear to be multiple duplications. In this case I felt that the rarity of the subject warranted as many examples as possible being illustrated, covering the Fuhrer's differing signatures in conjunction with the dates and years of award. Also, the more common certificates have been duplicated to show comparisons of official stamps and printing style, and original or facsimilie signatures in relation to date, plus, of course, the many variants in design, size, Unfortunately, some award sections have no illustrations reflecting the extreme rarity of some documents even though the award itself is scarce but not impossible to obtain. Where as some of the rarer documents can be found in collections, others which are considered extremely rare have to this time been undiscovered. But then, out of the woodwork, a rarity will appear, either from the original recipient, his family or from a veteran's estate.

Traditionally, collecting documents from the Third Reich has been of interest to medal collectors worldwide. With an increasing number of German miitaria dealers offering single or groupings of documents on their lists or at shows, the reproduction artists have noted increased interest and are now actively filling the demand. One of their classic tactics is to add a reproduction central piece to an existing original document/certificate grouping. Those interested in this subject should search for any reference books, articles, illustrations of signatures, history of award winners, units, and orders-of-battle, to give a better overall picture when adding to a particular field of interest and also to check originality. In today's world, all signatures (identified ones), official stamps, units, etc. can be checked, and with a careful glance an educated eye should be able to determine if for example, the paper has been subject to aging with tea or if it has been newly folded.

Regarding the sizes of the documents/certificates covered, I have used the European size code for approximate dimensions (see chart). Where not standard size, very large presentation documents are not included in the chart, and very small examples are illusrated at approximate size.

As this work was designed as an identification of documents and certificates, and basic value guide, it was decided not to add the identification of every signature found) illustrated specimens. Obviously, famous signatures such as Rommel add to the value) piece, whereas certificates with well-known but not rare signatures are valued accordingly. It is possible that to the probable delight of autograph collectors, this will be added to future editions. Thanks to articles written by Mr. Karl Joss of Germany and the document book by Emilie Caldwell Stewart, we are now aware of the signatures and dates in regard to preliminary certificates of Knight's Cross grades, at least for the German Army.

After 25 years of collecting, handling, and dealing in documents ranging from rare to the common, I am confident with my coverage of this vast and sometimes complicated subject. But, the finished work will be assessed by you, the reader, and hopefully it will be embraced as a true basic reference and value guide. At the very least, it is a beginning which will hopefully inspire others to build on it and create ever better books on the subject.

At the time of this book going to press, and looking at a 700 page work, it was determined to break it into two approximately 350 page volumes which allowed me to include even more in each. Volume 2 will follow before the end of 1995.

Adrian Forman: "Forman's Guide to Third Reich German Documents...And Their Values", Volume 1, R. James Bender Pubishing, 1995

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