Among the most beautifully executed and highly collectible advertising art is that related to firearms and fishing tackle. Companies like Winchester, Remington, Colt, Dupont, Marlin, Bristol and many others took great care and went to great expense to promote their products. Among the artists engaged to create the images were N.C. Wyeth, E. Osthaus, A.B. Frost, Remington, and A. Russell. This beautiful new book, in full color, captures the power of these images in a way that has never been done in book form before. Designed for the enthusiasts and collector, it has gives the information in a concise, accurate way and has a value guide. Anyone who looks through the pages of Firearms and Tackle Memorabilia will appreciate the beauty of the art. Included are signs and posters, calendars, trade cards, boxes, envelopes, and other highly sought after memorabilia gathered from auction houses, dealers, and private collections around the country.

This second volume focuses on the Fighter Groups, Scouting Force and Special Operations units of the Mighty Eighth. Battle Colors approaches a visual subject in a visual manner utilizing full color illustrations and wartime photos.

The background to collecting military medals is inseparable from a study of history. The earliest British medals, as befits a nation for so long reliant upon naval strength for its independence, were issued to the Navy, beginning with the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The first true campaign medals awarded to the Army followed the Battle of Waterloo, although many had been issued privately and unofficially before this. As one would expect for a country like Britain, with an outstanding imperial history dating to modern times, a vast field of military medals covering service in Africa, India, and China awaits the attention of the collector. There are, too, the collections relating to major wars, including the Crimean War, Boer War and the two World Wars. Colin Narbeth describes the medals awarded, and the actions which gave rise to special bars, ribbons and stars. Orders and decorations, including the Victoria Cross and the George Cross, both awarded for extreme valor, are described as are the naming of medals and display. As well as this wealth of background information, the author also details the aims to which a new collector should aspire, and discusses the pitfalls to guard against, including the problem of identification of forgeries. The volume is illustrated with numerous photographs selected by the author.

Finally, a wonderfully detailed reference history of personal items issued to the soldiers in Europe. Individual gear, toiletries, tobacco and personal effects from North Africa to the Rhine are covered in intimate detail. Over 400 beautiful color images and numerous compelling period photographs, many never-before published, offer a thoughtful analysis of a soldier's most valued possessions. This book illustrates from a unique perspective a sentimental side of the soldier in the foxhole as it documents and categorizes the many personal items he carried into battle. Historians, collectors, and veterans alike will undoubtedly relish the information meticulously researched and appreciate the nostalgic period advertisements and anecdotes included in this extraordinary compilation. This book is by far the best and most complete study available of personal items of the American soldier during World War II and truly an indispensable resource.

Meticulously researched, this book examines the evidence for the post-Roman military forces of France and Britain during the 'Dark Ages', reconstructing their way of life and the battles they fought in compelling detail. The collapse of the former Western Roman Empire during the so called 'Dark Ages' c. AD 410 was gradual and piecemeal. Out of this vacuum arose regional tribes and leaders determined to take back kingdoms that were theirs and oust any Roman presence for good. However, the Roman guard was tenacious and survived in small pockets that emerged in both Gaul and Britain. These areas of Romano-Celtic resistance held out against the Saxons until at least the mid 6th century in Britain and against the Visigoths and the Merovingian Franks until the late 8th century in France. Drawing on archaeological finds, contemporary sculpture and manuscript illuminations, Dr Raffaele D'Amato presents contemporary evidence for 5th to 9th-century Gallic and British 'Dark Age' armies and reconstructs their way of life and the battles they fought. The text, accompanied by photographs and colour illustrations, paints an intricate picture of how these disparate groups of Roman soldiers survived and adapted on the fringes of the Roman Empire.

The Royal Armouries is Britain's oldest museum, still partly housed in its original buildings in the Tower of London. The core of the collection is the medieval arsenal that was restocked by Henry VIII and on show to privileged visitors as early as the reign of Elizabeth I. After 1660, the general public was admitted and a series of spectacular exhibits was set up, one of which included instruments of torture and punishment. Since that time, they have been one of the Tower's prime attractions, enhanced by the macabre stories that surround them. This fascinating book sets these instruments of torture and punishment in their proper context and explores whether the Tower deserves its grim reputation.

This book is a color celebration of the pocket knives of the United States military, and features both U.S. and foreign-made models. It is a historical chronology beginning with the first folders of the early 1800s and ending with the high-tech knives of the twenty-first century. There are nearly 400 color photographs showing hundreds of different issue pocket knives-single-blade, multi-blade, and multi-tool-including many that have never been shown in a publication before. Clear, up-close images present manufacturers' marks in great detail. This is a book that will be opened time and again just for the pleasure of viewing. It is a book that has something for the beginner as well as the advanced collector and others interested in the cutlery history of the United States military.

Famous throughout the nineteenth century for the quality of its products, the English revolver industry began a steady decline after WWI from which it never recovered. Apart from the famous Webley service revolvers, many products of this important industry are little known outside of the auction house and sale room. This book sets out to rectify that situation, describing Adam's and Tranter's revolvers, as valued in their day as any of Webley's products, and including guns from the more obscure makers neglected by previous writers. In particular, the chapter on military revolvers is one of the most important sections of the book, beginning with the British government's early purchase of Colt's percussion weapon and concluding with the Webley Service revolvers, strikingly familiar to many who served in the British Army in both World Wars. Finally, many of the guns are pictured here for the first time, a number having been photographed especially for this book.

This is the first all-color book devoted to collecting the toy soldiers and figures that were sold in the Five-and-Dime stores. Over 650 photographs, showing in excess of three thousand toy figures, are arranged in thematic style and and cover military and non-military toys. Compiled by some of the world's leading authorities on toy soldiers and figures, the book traces the history and development of toy soldiers and figures between 1900 and 1960. Complete with price guide, explanations of terminology, and an index, the book is a groundbreaking reference guide to collecting lead and composition toy figures. Over 60 manufacturers' products are represented and the thematic/category chapters make it easy for experienced and new collectors to easily locate figures.

This book is a complete history of the Italian Model 1891Carcano rifle and variants that served as Italy's standard service rifle in World War I and World War II. It describes each major component of the weapon, as well as addressing the development of each variant in detail. One section of the book is devoted to all markings that have been identified, including those on the receiver, barrel, sights, magazine, and stock. Profusely illustrated, extensive appendices list serial numbers, production totals, inspection procedures, ammunition types, ammunition clips, ammunition boxes and packaging, ballistics data, accoutrements, and the Model 1891 as used by Italy's national marksmanship association.

HINTS ON REVOLVER SHOOTING By WALTER WINANS Originally published in 1904, this rare early work on the revolver and its use, is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. READ COUNTRY BOOKS have now republished it, using the original text and artwork, in a high quality, affordable, modern edition. The author was a well known and respected figure in the gun world of that era. He was an expert shot with all types of firearms and was Vice-President of the National Rifle Association and President of the Ashford Rifle Club. He also wrote "The Art of Revolver Shooting" and "Practical Rifle Shooting." and was a prolific contributor of shooting material to the sporting press. The book's one hundred and thirty six pages contain eighteen detailed chapters and many black and white photographs and illustrations: Selecting a Revolver and Ammunition. - Cleaning and Care of Weapons. - Sights. - Learning to Use the Revolver. - Gallery Shooting. - Bisley: 20 Yards Stationary Target. - Disappearing Target. - Rapid Firing. - Traversing target. - Team Shooting and Coaching. - General Remarks on Shooting in Competitions. - Stage Shooting. - Trick Shooting. - Target Shooting off Horseback. - Shooting in Self Defence. - Revolver Shooting for Ladies. - Shooting in the Dark. This is a fascinating read for any gun enthusiast or historian, with much of the information and advice still useful and practical today. "Beware of entrance to a quarrel, but being in, bear 't that the opposed may beware of thee." Polonoius.

Professional Gunsmithing: A Textbook On The Repair And Alteration Of Firearms. With Detailed Notes And Suggestions Relative To The Equipment And Operation Of A Commercial Gunshop. Howe's book is intended as an inspirational source as well as a technical guide to the student who is anxious to study gunsmithing but has been led to believe it is a craft that can only be mastered by old world teaching methods. Howe's work remains a valuable teaching tool to this day. Profusely illustrated with over one hundred drawings and illustrations.

This four volume set by Thomas M. Johnson, a leading collector and authoritative researcher, has been compiled to serve as a useful and authoritative reference on the daggers of Nazi Germany, and have been designed to aid not only the beginning collector, but also the seasoned advanced collector and specialist. These volumes are the result of many years of arduous research conducted on both sides of the Atlantic, and are a scholarly study that is more than a perfunctory annotation and illustration of the known basic patterns. Also, the series is a study of a culture and the crafts that actually produced the blades, as well as being a manual in the art of collecting them. The embracing scope is both educational and recreational - and it adds a whole new dimension to this popular collecting subject as a whole. Within these books one will see coverage of the historical background; the manufacturing techniques; constructional information; the actual basic patterns; variations and rarities; the art of collecting, and a whole host of other salient facts of absorbing interest.

A wide-ranging study of the significance of swords throughout the whole Anglo-Saxon period, offering valuable insights into the meaning of and attitude towards swords. Swords were special in Anglo-Saxon England. Their names, deeds and pedigrees were enshrined in writing. Many were curated for generations, revealed by their worn and mended condition. Few ended their lives as casual discards, placed instead in graves, hoards and watercourses as part of ritualised acts. Contemporary sources leave no doubt that complex social meanings surrounded these weapons, transcending their use on the battlefield; but they have yet to transcend the traditional view that their primary social function was as status symbols. Even now, half a century after the first major study of Anglo-Saxon swords, their wider significance within their world has yet to be fully articulated. This book sets out to meet the challenge. Eschewing modern value judgements, it focuses instead on contemporary perceptions - exploring how those who made, used and experienced swords really felt about them. It takes a multidisciplinary and holistic approach, bringing together insights from art, archaeology and literature. Comparison with Scandinavia adds further nuance, revealing what was (and was not) distinctive of Anglo-Saxon views of these weapons. Far from elite baubles, swords are revealed to have been dynamic "living" artefacts with their own identities, histories and places in social networks - ideas fuelled by their adaptability, durability and unique rolein bloodshed. Sue Brunning is Curator of European Early Medieval Collections at The British Museum.

While the PP and PPK were intended for police work, the Walther P 38 was produced for the Germany military; all three pistols have garnered a formidable international reputation since the 1930s. The innovative Walther PP (Polizeipistole), a double-action semi-automatic pistol intended for the law-enforcement market, became available in 1929 and went on to arm the police of several European countries in the 1930s. Its smaller cousin the PPK, more readily concealed for undercover work but with reduced magazine capacity, was produced from 1931. Intended to replace the P 08 Luger, the Walther P 38 was issued from 1940 and equipped the armed forces of Germany and other countries during and after World War II, but never entirely replaced the Luger in German service. All three pistols went on to have lengthy and varied service across the world after 1945. Both the PP and the PPK remain in production today, while the P 38 re-emerged as the P1 and equipped West German forces from 1963 until 2004, when it was replaced by the P8. In this study, noted authority John Walter assesses the origins, development, use and legacy of these three high-profile semi-automatic pistols, alongside other Walther variants, such as the tiny .25 ACP Modell 9.

Originally published in 1937, this book provides an authentic sketch of the history of English gun production, from their first use in the fourteenth century down to the time of Marlborough's campaigns during the early part of the eighteenth century. At the time of publication there had been relatively few historical analyses of gun foundering, the preference being to examine their use in battle. This book was useful in terms of giving readers a collection of facts relating to the subject and outlining a little-known branch of military history. It remains a fascinating document, containing numerous illustrations, that will be of value anyone with an interest in English history and the development of guns.

This four volume set by Thomas M. Johnson, a leading collector and authoritative researcher, has been compiled to serve as a useful and authoritative reference on the daggers of Nazi Germany, and have been designed to aid not only the beginning collector, but also the seasoned advanced collector and specialist. These volumes are the result of many years of arduous research conducted on both sides of the Atlantic, and are a scholarly study that is more than a perfunctory annotation and illustration of the known basic patterns. Also, the series is a study of a culture and the crafts that actually produced the blades, as well as being a manual in the art of collecting them. The embracing scope is both educational and recreational - and it adds a whole new dimension to this popular collecting subject as a whole. Within these books one will see coverage of the historical background; the manufacturing techniques; constructional information; the actual basic patterns; variations and rarities; the art of collecting, and a whole host of other salient facts of absorbing interest.

Featuring specially commissioned artwork and carefully chosen photographs, this study charts the SVD Dragunov rifle’s development, combat use and lasting legacy, from Vietnam to Syria.

Developed as a medium-range sniping rifle in the Soviet Union during the 1960s, the Dragunov stood out against most Western sniping rifle types by being semi-automatic, a configuration that marginally lowers accuracy compared to bolt-action sniping rifles, but which allows for faster follow-up shots. Even so, the SVD is still capable of taking precision killing shots out to 800m and beyond, making it a thoroughly practical combat weapon for marksmen and snipers.

In this fully illustrated study, Chris McNab explores the Dragunov’s development and performance in detail. But the story of this weapon really comes to life with its combat history. It is the world’s most widespread sniping rifle, still in use in the former Soviet armies and sold to more than 40 countries worldwide. Its rugged design, dependable capabilities and relatively low cost mean that it has been used in every conceivable type of conflict, from Vietnam and Afghanistan to Iraq and Syria. Illustrated with cutaway artwork and battlescenes, plus technical and historical photographs, this study tells the story of this remarkable weapon, from design and development to tactical use in action.

This fully illustrated new book describes and analyses the weapons and equipment traditionally associated with the samurai, Japan's superlative warriors. It examines the range of weapons used by them at different times and in different situations. Beginning with the rise of the samurai during the 10th century, this lively study traces the introduction of edged weapons (cutting and piercing) and missile weapons (bows and guns) over the next 500 years. The book shows clearly how they were employed by individual samurai using many previously untranslated primary texts, and explains how their use spread more widely among low-class troops, pirates and rebels. It also shows how schools of martial arts took over and changed the weapons and their uses during the peaceful Edo Period (1615-1868).

For many years the magnificent color prints published by the firm of Rudolf Ackermann during the 19th century have been in the possession of lucky collectors. However, with the passing of many years these frail works of art have become damaged, or have perished, so that many are not available to those who wish to find and appreciate the work and care which went into these productions.

THE ART OF DUELLING By "A Traveller." AN OBSCURE PRESS CLASSIC REPRINT. This rare little book was first published in 1836. Only a handful of the original editions remain, and are now extremely costly. OBSCURE PRESS has republished this classic work in a high quality, modern edition, using the original text and artwork. The author remains unknown, but from his manner of writing and expert knowledge of his subject was obviously a man of means well known to the nobility of the day. His book, which "contains much information useful to young continental tourists," deals with every aspect of the duel. Settling a dispute by single combat was then countenanced by law in the northern nations of Europe, among whom it was customary to decide many controversies by arms. The book consists of eighty pages and contains chapters on: History of the Origins of Duelling. - The Pistol. - Charging the Pistol. - Position of Firing. - Method of Practice. - The Chances. - The Challenge. - Selection of a Second, and his Duties. - Precautions to be Observed. - Some Accounts of Duels with Sword and Pistol. This is a fascinating read for any historian of the subject or for enthusiasts of pistol shooting and its varieties.

The history, manufacture, and ancient and modern uses of swords in Europe from the 5th century to today can be found here in one convenient source. Learn sword nomenclature and classification, discover sword physics secrets, and compare the history of swordsmanship in Europe to that of Japan. Practical information on different sword types, including those used by Vikings and Samurai, broadens the reader's understanding of the technical diversity of and relationships between swords from different eras and cultures. Readers can also learn how to tell authentic swords apart from fantasy swords, or "sword-like objects" (SLO), which are commonly used in movies like the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Also, follow the manufacturing process, from welding to pommel construction, and read about historical replicas. Join the authors and countless other featured sword masters and experts on a fact-based and fun-filled adventure from the Middle Ages to modern Europe.

This book is the first comprehensive and easy to use reference since World War II covering prominent German wartime plastics manufacturers and products. Aimed squarely at World War II German militaria, ordnance, and small arms collectors, the author provides a concise account of the constituents and manufacturing processes, markings, codes, trademarks and material identification techniques of wartime Kunststoff products.

Drawing upon the latest literary and archaeological research, this is an in-depth study of the Roman Army units based in the Eastern Provinces during the turbulent third century of the Roman Empire. In this book, eminent Roman historian, Dr Raffaele D'Amato, looks at the notoriously under-represented history of the Roman armies during the middle 3rd Century whose records have been obscured by the chaotic civil wars of that period between usurpers to the Imperial authority of Rome. Following on from the previous title, MAA 527, Roman Army Units in the Western Provinces (2): 3rd Century AD, this book considers the evidence for troops in the Eastern half of the Empire specifically around the Balkans, Mesopotamia, the Middle East and North Africa and looks at the weakness of Imperial central authority which inevitably led to local particularism and a wide range of appearance in regional commands. Dr D'Amato uses literary, painted, sculptural and archaeological sources to reconstruct this little-understood period of Roman military history and, with the aid of meticulous coloured artwork, photos and detailed charts, reconstructs the appearance and campaigns of the Roman forces stationed in the East.