Some Good References
SUBMARINE BADGES AND INSIGNIA OF THE WORLD
By Peter Prichard
Available from Don Palen at ICBM (http://www.icbm.com)
"This book is a complete compendium of the submarine badges of the world, dating from the Imperial Russian Naval Officer's Submarine School Graduation Badge of 1909 to the new South Korean Submariner's Badge issued in 1996. It covers all countries currently operating submarines as well as those no longer existing as political entities. With over 400 illustrations in color covering over 50 countries from the inception of their submarine forces to date, this book is the most complete reference available. It is a must for the collector, those interested in submarines or uniforms, and the military historian, professional or amateur."
A GUIDE TO SUBMARINE INSIGNIA
By Al Phillips, LCDR USN (RET)
Also available from Don Palen
The original source of all of our collecting information. When I started this site up I got permission from Al (and Bill Crosby) to use the text from his book to create my site. I uploaded the Word Perfect file version of the book I acquired into html and this site was underway back in January of 1997. There are still a few countries that still need updating and many scans I have not yet done and uploaded. Thanks to Al, you have something to read on all the countries. Oddly enough, Al no longer collects submarine insignia. Last I heard, he'd sold his collection off to buy a new kiln for his glass making business in Bainbrdige Island, Washington. The book is a little out of date now, but it was the "bible" for many of us for years. I used this book extensively for years. You can see the wear on the corners of mine in the scan.
SUBMARINE INSIGNIA & SUBMARINE SERVICES OF THE WORLD
By W. M. Thornton
Available through the US Naval Institute
"The first comprehensive guide to the fifty-seven nations that have had or intend to have submarines as part of their fighting force, this book presents in alphabetical order each of the world's navies with a summary of each country's submarine service. The history, description, and details of all insignia worn is given in depth and is accompanied by full color illustrations of each badge. A definitive guide for both the naval enthusiast and the badge collector, this book is a unique and indispensable reference work."
W. M. Thornton, a lieutenant commander in the Royal Naval Reserve, served for thirty years in the RNVR. He now works in film and TV production and lives in Middlesex, England.
US SILENT SERVICE
DOLPHINS & COMBAT INSIGNIA
1921-1945
By David A. Jones
Available from Amazon.com
"After eight years of extensive research, the publication of this book is a submarine buff and collectors dream come true. This beautiful full-color book chronicles, with period letters and sketches, the developmental history of US submarine insignia prior to 1945. It also contains many rare and never before published photographs, plus interviews with WWII submarine veterans, from enlisted men to famous skippers. Each insignia is photographed (obverse and reverse) and magnified in color. All known contractors are covered plus embroidered versions, mess dress variations, the Roll of Honor, submarine combat insignia, battleflags, launch memorabilia and related submarine collectibles (postal covers, match book covers, jewelry, posters, advertising art, postcards, etc.) 2002 new hard bound, illustrated hard cover, no dust jacket as issued, 6x9, glossy page stock, 532 photos, (most in full color)."