Uniforms & Traditions of the Luftwaffe, Volume 1 – Angolia & Schlicht

This is a well-preserved example of the foundational reference work “Uniforms & Traditions of the Luftwaffe, Volume 1” by John R. Angolia and Adolf Schlicht, one of the most exhaustive research publications ever produced on early Luftwaffe organization, uniforms, insignia, qualification badges, and personnel structure. The physical copy shown is a softcover edition with strong binding integrity, clean interior pages, and only minor exterior wear. The cover artwork remains sharp, with no fading to the purple and black color fields.

The volume runs more than 560 pages and is densely illustrated with period photographs, insignia plates, uniform diagrams, and documentary extracts. The table of contents shows the text’s extraordinary depth, beginning with pre-Luftwaffe aviation during the Reichswehr era, the secret buildup of the DLV (Deutscher Luftsportverband), and the transition from clandestine flying clubs to the formal creation of the Luftwaffe in 1935. Chapters on insignia, branch distinctions, and organizational hierarchies make the book invaluable for collectors trying to authenticate cloth items, visor caps, early DLV/NSFK badges, and transitional uniforms.

The photos provided show representative interior spreads, including early DLV aircraft markings, civilian dress badges, women’s uniforms, non-portable day badges, the Fliegerschaft dagger section, and dress regulations relating to the wear of ribbons, medal bars, and flyers’ awards. Later sections cover officer outerwear, greatcoats, shoulder straps, cuff titles, and special appointments—material that continues to serve as the benchmark for identifying original Luftwaffe material culture from 1933–1945. Illustrations remain crisp and the text is printed on high-quality stock with excellent readability.

Collectors of Imperial, Weimar, and Third Reich militaria will recognize this volume as a cornerstone reference that rarely appears in this condition. Angolia and Schlicht’s multi-volume series has long been out of print, and Volume 1 is especially useful to anyone authenticating pilot badges, DLV insignia, early uniforms, NSFK/DFL material, and items linked to the Luftwaffe’s prewar evolution. The book also provides essential context on the regulations governing wear, which remain the definitive standard for accurate display of Luftwaffe groupings and medal bars.

Condition overall is very strong: light edge rubbing on the cover, tight binding, clean pages without foxing, and no visible annotations or damage. The spine remains straight and unbroken, with no page separation.