original ONI manuals
Fortunately, there is a huge variety of World War Two US military manuals available online. The only trick is to use the correct search terms. With a little practice you should be able to find quite a few.
You may be surprised to learn that although the originals are rare, they are available. Prices might not be as high as you might think. I have found ten originals, including the Identification manuals for merchant ships and ONI 41-42 in mint condition in its original cardboard box. Naturally, rather than put wear and tear on the original, I have the reprint referred to above which is fantastic.
You can find originals on E-bay and at militaria collectors shows such as Show of Shows in Louisville Ky. You can also find them at gun shows. Dont expect every table to have a selection of original manuals. They are not common. You might spend a long time looking, but they are out there. Once you start networking with collectors you should be able to find some interesting items. One thing that I found at local gun shows was a 1944 USN manual on Naval Gunnery and a selection of various torpedo fire control manuals. Very interesting!
If you have a maritime museum nearby, check with them to see what they might have. The Maritime Museum at Manitowoc WI has an original USN WWII TDC manual.
Large universities also have been known to have interesting World War Two govt publications.
Good luck!
Joe S
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