Nazi Regalia

by Jack Pia

The Nazi protocol was distinguished by its insignia. In this book, there are various degrees of valour and achievement, medallions to commemorate games and rallies, weapons with subtle distinctions, and more.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, World War II

Paperback

First published February 12, 1975

Reviews

[Joe Krakovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

NAZI REGALIA is a great book for research, whether you are writing a story, or trying to identify some old war relics you found in your grandfather's old foot locker from WWII. All of the illustrations are in color and have brief descriptions of the daggers, banners, badges, armbands, and even some uniforms and headgear listed here. While not all uniforms are covered, as that would take a much thicker book, many badges and pins not found elsewhere are here. The Nazis had awards and insignia for everything, whether it be the Tank Assault Badge for 100 engagements or the gilt Cross of Honor of the German Mother for having eight or more children. Maybe this is a German thing, I don't know, but it is very interesting.

Included at the back are the British and American equivalent ranks to Nazi party and German military organizations. A glossary is included

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Jack Pia wrote this book and took and curated the pictures in 1974, it seemed a good time for such an addition to the Ballantine's Illustrated History of the Violent Century. 30 years after WWII, there was beginning to be a market for memorabilia, as WWII Veterans and other looters/keepers of old things began to sell their hoards As the only edition in the Series with Colour Photos, this soon became a rarity, the book you needed for a complete set, with page after page of clear pics of armbands, collar runes and other SS bits and pieces. Pia traces the whole short history of SS through objects like Death's Head Badges and unit banners, with clear text and simple photos that try to let the items speak for themselves. While most of the photos are of individual parts of the uniforms or gear, there are also enough photos of whole uniforms to get a sense of the ensembles and how they were worn and used, especially in the middle chapter on the Waffen SS- the Combat Divisions that fought alongside the Nazi Wehrmacht. They wore a fair amount of different Uniform elements, most notably a lot of distinctively camouflage that gets coverage. While obviously not in any way exhaustive or complete, the book is a good survey of Nazi costume and baubles, and readers of all stripes will see the veneer of design and attractiveness with which a hate-filled regime tried to cover itself.

But of course in the 40+ years since the book came out- we now know that Nazism would not die a Natural Death like Ancient Spartan fascism. We now know that these symbols and signs of a destroyed and utterly discredited evil Reich would continue to be rallying cries and treasured Icons for a whole new crop of violent racist and reactionary movements around the world. In this climate, such a book as this can be used as an aspirational catalog by the worst elements of society to applaud the Atrocities and Genocides carried out by the Nazis. Most readers will be reviewing the signs of infamy- but does this book perhaps comfort the Fascisti among us and confirm their views? I do not think so- and think the informing of the many of the signs of authoritarianism is more important than the few Nazi admirers who might see this book as aspirational. As a confirmed conservative Anti-Fascist, I also think the reader of this book can find other less obvious symbols than the Swastika and Death's Head that modern fascists are trying to use as rallying signs- and expose themselves just as plainly. Even as books like this carry the possibility of spreading evil ideas - they are even more important to inform the response to Fascism/Nazism and working to keep these ideas out of Public discourse.

With limited text, a plethora of photos, and few adult themes, this is a good book for a Junior Reader over about 10 years, although some adult guidance may be required for perspective(baubles can attract). For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, this looks at first glance to be nigh on useless, but the Waffen SS section in the middle is actually quite good for the Uniform crowd. Art Director Sarah Kingham adds some great touches with some good expository paintings of uniforms, and there are good photos of the hard to paint "Pea Dot" Camo Smocks that many Waffen SS units wore. Gamer/Modelers can use this help- but will get no other Scenario/diorama assistance. An interesting book on an engaging topic- but one that may be two sided blade that needs some special handling. Let's all work to keep this a book of symbols of a failed PAST evil Society- and not a book of signs of our future.

[Julio The Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nazi counter-revolution in color. Hitler, Himmler, and above all others Goebbels, had great media and P.R. sense. Political regimes come and go but fashion lives on. How else to explain the modern fascination with Nazi banners, pins, medals, medallions, insignia, chevrons and flags? The Beer Hall Putsch of 1923, the crucible of National Socialism, Hitler's ascent to the Chancellorship in 1933, the Party Rallies at Nuremburg, The NS Labor Front, Hitler Youth, and other mass organizations plus naturally the SS, Waffen-SS, and Gestapo all had gaudy and alas memorable regalia attached to their names. How could Stalin's drab regime compare or compete with that? After 1939 all ranks of the Armed Forces and every campaign received colorful recognition. At a glance every member of the regime, civilian and military, could be instantly recognized, and more importantly, mobilized, according to his or her colorful array of pins, badges and other "fruit salad", as they say in the U.S. military. Jack Pia has compiled in one volume a handy guide to Nazi fashion plates.

[spike marlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book full of pictures of Nazi Regalia including badges, uniforms, flags, medals, pins, and hats. Everyone no mater what their job was had a title, badges, and sometimes uniforms. The Nazi party wanted to ensure that everyone had some association with the Nazi party and government. I’m

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pia provides a thorough pictorial guide to the uniforms, badges, ribbons, etc., of the Third Reich. While useful for identifying museum pieces, its real value to a general audience is in conveying just how obsessed with regalia the Nazis truly were.

[Duncan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dated !!