Was wondering at Osprey too. Just not the same, are they. Nothing wrong with older books, especially when I find most modern general military encyclopedias are a bit naff. Need something on German weapons: Chamberlain/Gander (1979). Tanks: Chamberlain/Doyle (1978).
Have you checked this one out.Brought it some time ago. But highly recommended,a sniff at a fiver. Graham.
I know it fairly well, anything by Doyle is useful, but I still don't think it surpasses his old encyclopedia. Experiencing some drift from insignia here, chaps! Here's a theory: most who catch regimentalism seem to specialise these days, so either know what their interest's flashes etc. are, or has bought specialist books thereof.
Specialism's probably a consequence of cost these days - not giving yourself too many gaps to fill. The consequence of that might be a negligible market for the published results of that collecting/research as it's just too niche. Maybe the 70s was the peak of affordable generalism?
Reckon you're probably right there. Different market too, perhaps. I remember Grandad going straight to the Rosignoli to check the badge, etc., of someone at a Remembrance parade or similar event that he hadn't had a chance to chat to. Do millions of veterans of massive warfare create a certain type of publishing market 20-30 years later? Quite possibly.