Colin Owen book

[Alex Rice]

Originally Posted by rhodesianmilitaria

However to me a good reference book would have to include reverse photos of the badges, patches, wings or whatever the items were.
The photos would have to be closeup, taken to show as close as possible to the correct colours and also so show the attachment/s, hallmarks, stitching, type of backings etc.
Example see photo.
I don't know if there are any books like that, there certainly aren't in what I collect. One then has to ask if in today's climate of so much copying whether anyone would do that.
I certainly wouldn't show publicly the reverse of the para wings in my collection or the various stampings on the reverse of Selous Scouts officers badges.

Attachment 124934

Unfortunately you had hit the dilemma nail on the head. If you go into too much detail with reference works, it'll just open the floodgates for fakers and the whole collecting game would be ruined. The realistic method would be to get and accurate book with quality pictures and then share on a forum like this. To me, collecting is to try and get the best collection I can and I'm not interested in 'one-upmanship'. I try to help other serious collectors if I can.
Cheers,
Alex