German WWII Ordnungs Polizei Artwork

A very rare book on the German Ordnungs Polizei, one of only three copies we have handled in over 35 years. Measuring 27 x 33 cm, the book features an outer green canvas cover with a large Third Reich police insignia, central black swastika, and silver embossing. The binding is unusual for a work of this quality: the 13 beautifully illustrated colour plates, each accompanied by pages of text, are placed within the cover, punch-holed, and held together with cord.

The plates depict every aspect of German Ordnungs Polizei uniforms, beginning with the carrying of the police standard and concluding with officers assembled together. The artistry and depth of colour are exceptional. All images are hand drawn by Herbert Knotel (1893–1963), a renowned military artist, and each plate is signed “Knotel.”

Between the colour plates are additional pages of text describing the uniforms and the departments they represent. The book concludes with a full-page section on the organisation of the Ordnungs Polizei system within Germany.

A superb and highly desirable book for any collector of police or military history. Minor staining to the cover and slight shredding to the lower left-hand corner of the canvas.

Ref; 82363