This book is the first volume about Artillery Regiment 1 of the 1st Waffen-SS Division Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler (LAH). The artillery batteries of the LAH during the whole of World War II faced some of the hardest combat, and probably no other artillery unit was used as often at critical spots on all fronts. While it had only three batteries of light field howitzers during the French campaign, when the full artillery regiment was set up in August 1940, it later received heavier guns and 88mm flak. In April 1941, at Lake Kastoria in Macedonia during a tremendous artillery battle, the full regiment fired as a unit for the first time. During the battles on the Russian Front the regiment's artillery equipment was constantly upgraded. One of the artillery batteries was equipped from 1943 with Wespe and Hummel self-propelled guns and later with Nebelwerfer rocket launchers that gave the regiment its tremendous firepower. Especially during the difficult defensive battles in the winter of 1943-1944 in the Ukraine, every artillery piece - whether a heavy field howitzer, or 15cm rocket launcher - was often used at such close range that it was fired with barrels in a horizontal position. The battery was later attached to the reconnaissance unit in the vanguard of the LAH and experienced the hardest battles while using Panzermeyer tactics that required rapid marches and lightning fast deployment into firing positions. Nearly 300 photos, most never before published, document the bitter battles of the LAH artillery regiment.

This new book presents over seven years of research into the history of the M-1 helmet during World War II, and provides the most comprehensive examination of its development and production. All aspects of M-1 helmet production are covered including: the helmet body, the fiber liner, the plastic liner, the parachutist helmet, helmet camouflage, helmet modifications, helmet paint schemes, and toy helmets. Every production helmet version is presented in full color photographs, including detail shots and production markings. Also included are World War II era photographs of the helmet samples, helmet production, and helmets worn in training or in action. This book a valuable reference to both historians and collectors.

The campaign and commemorative medals of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps frame an interesting evolution in our country's military development and willingness to use this power on a worldwide basis. It traces their roots from our own Civil War to assuming the stature of the world's super power. This work provides an in depth overview of not only the history and development of each campaign medal, but also the historical significance of the events surrounding the establishment of each medal. Informative and insightful glimpses of some of the main characters in this history, like Dewey, Sampson. DeLong, Butler, Hanneken, Peary and Byrd are threaded through this work. The book traces the events and their corresponding medals through our current involvement in the Bosnia peacekeeping mission. The book also covers, in great detail, several of the more important commemorative medals which were often struck on a limited basis to account for the lack of appropriate official federal awards. In many cases, these commemorative medals reflect exacting craftsmanship and unusual design features when compared to the campaign medals. All medals are exquisitely photographed in color with the exception of a few of the rare commemorative medals, which are reproduced in black and white. The work also covers a number of interesting foreign awards which have accompanied the award of a number of U.S. campaign medals. This work, which is well organized and easy to read, proves to be an interesting and informative reference work for the collector of these Navy and Marine Corps medals. A value guide is included. Ed Emering is also the author of Orders, Decorations and Badges of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).

Fully illustrated, this book investigates the articulated plate armour worn by Roman legionaries. First named by Renaissance historians studying the reliefs on Trajan's Column, lorica segmentata evaded successful attempts to reconstruct it until a series of important archaeological finds in the 20th century revealed how it worked and the truth of its extended chronology. The earliest finds date from the late 1st century BC, and its discovery at Kalkriese in Germany shows how rapidly it was adopted. At the same time, discoveries in Spain and Britain showed that, despite its apparent fragility, it continued in use into the 4th century AD. The spectacular find of six halves of cuirasses in a chest at Corbridge in 1964 has now been matched by the rare discovery of a complete set of this armour at Kalkriese. The Corbridge find provided the context to interpret and reconstruct earlier finds. There is now years of experience gleaned from reenactors over the practical strengths and weaknesses of this form of armour. At the same time, scientific analysis has provided insights into the technology behind this revolutionary form of armour so characteristic of the Roman Army. Featuring specially commissioned artwork and drawing upon the latest findings, this study lifts the veil on the formidable plate armour used by the legionaries of Imperial Rome.

A comprehensive history and typology of the European knightly sword from c.1050 to c.1550, that draws on evidence from literature and art as well as from archaeology. The resplendent image of the medieval knight is symbolised by his sword, a lethal weapon on the battlefield and a badge of chivalry in that complex social code. Ewart Oakeshott draws on his extensive research to recount the history of the sword from the knightly successors of the Viking weapon to the emergence of the Renaissance sword - roughly from 1050 to 1550. Evidence for dating is adduced from literature and art as well as from archaeology, and a detailed chronological typology of swords is developed, based on entire swords, pommel-forms, cross-guards, and the grip and scabbard. With clear illustrations and invaluable photographic plates The Sword in the Age of Chivalryoffers first-class reference material for all weapons enthusiasts. The late EWART OAKESHOTT was an authority on the arms and armour of medieval Europe. His other books include Records of the Medieval Sword and TheArchaeology of Weapons.

The Orders and Decorations of the "enemy" during the Vietnam War have remained shrouded in mystery for many years. References to them are scarce and interrogations of captives during the war often led to the proliferation of misinformation concerning them. To confuse the situation even more, these awards were bestowed by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), known then as the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV), and the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam (NLF), and a myriad of political and local organizations. Covered ar those Orders and Decorations now considered official by the SRV, as well as many of the obsolete awards bestowed by the DRV and the NLF. It also discusses many of the commemorative, political and local awards. Includes value guide.

This is the absorbing story of the development, combat use and legacy of the influential sidearms used by the armed forces of the Soviet Union. Featuring archive and present-day photography and specially commissioned artwork, this is the story of the pistols that armed the forces of the Soviet Union and its allies during and after World War II. In 1930 the TT, a single-action semi-automatic pistol developed by Fedor Vasilyevich Tokarev and firing 7.62x25mm ammunition, began to supplement the venerable Nagant M1895 revolver in Soviet military service. From 1933 the TT-33, a simplified version, was also issued; all three would equip Soviet and proxy forces throughout and after World War II, seeing action across the globe. In 1951 a new pistol designed by Nikolay Fyodorovich Makarov entered Soviet service; it became the primary Soviet military and police sidearm during the Cold War era and continued in use into the 21st century. The 9x18mm Makarov round was used in various weapons used by Soviet allies, notably the Czech vz 82, the Hungarian FEG PA63 and the Polish P64 and P83.The PM was quickly joined by the Stechkin machine pistol. Other specialized versions of the Makarov were developed, including the PB suppressed version and the 5.45x18mm PSM, a more compact version. Initially developed in 1990, the improved PMM version of the Makarov was intended primarily to increase the stopping power of the 9x18mm round by chambering a higher-pressure load. In this study, noted weaponry expert Leroy Thompson tells the story of the Tokarev, Makarov, Stechkin and other handguns in service with Soviet and other forces around the world, exploring the development, combat use and legacy of these formidable firearms.

The Royal Armouries' stunning collection of arms and armour provides a unique historical perspective on visual and material culture from across the world. Both intricate and elaborate, these items are a magnificent testament to fashion, craftsmanship and engineering throughout the ages. This book is filled with gorgeous photography offering a glimpse into a world of firearms, armours, swords and helmets. It includes an insightful essay by Karen Watts, former Senior Curator at the Royal Armouries and Knight of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Presented for the first time in detail, this examination of German medal bars covers a subject long overlooked in reference books. Illustrating over one-hundred German medal bars in full color, both obverse and reverse views are shown, as well as close up images that highlight some of the finer details. Medal bars of the military, police, political, and civil organizations are covered. Examples of original award documents are shown, as well as period photographs of medal bars in wear. Information is also presented on maker markings, medal identification, the material used to make the medal, finishes, and measurements.

This book is the second in a series that show the camouflaged uniforms of the armies of the world. This volume covers the armies of forty countries of the Middle East and Asia. Where the previous volume on European and NATO armies only covered camouflage uniforms, this volume has added rank insignia and other badges making the book more complete. For the first time, the reader will have a full overview of the different military garments used by these countries. Many of these armies are engaged in conflicts around the globe. If not in United Nations peacekeeping operations, it is in the war against terrorism - in the Middle East, Korea, or Indonesia. In all of these conflict zones camouflage plays an important role and all of them are shown here in color.

J. Howard Wert was a recent college graduate when the armies of the North and South converged near his family's homestead just three miles outside Gettysburg in the summer of 1863. A militia member and anti-slavery supporter, Wert acted as a guide for Union General George Meade, helping position federal troops in the fields and hills around town. Perhaps more importantly, he collected and labeled artifacts from the battle, including a still-hot Confederate shell that almost hit him near Little Round Top. After the war, Wert resumed gathering relics of the three-day battle, many given to him by veterans of both sides, including weapons, clothing, letters, furniture, and even items related to Lincoln's Address. Now this amazing private collection can be appreciated through more than 120 color pictures and informative text about both the items and Wert's life.

This monumental, two volume set, several years in preparation, includes over 400 color photographs, illustrations and period images from the finest collections in the United States and Europe. For the first time, collectors will see a comprehensive full color photographic lexicon picturing helmets from every unit of the Imperial German Army of 1914. Many of the photographs exhibit helmets of such rarity that they have never been seen outside a select group of advanced collectors. Carefully selected, each photograph and illustration affords the reader information not to be found elsewhere. Presented in a clear and easy to understand format, the detailed text covers evolution of the Pickelhaube from 1842 until 1918, helmet nomenclature, front plates of the Active, Reserve and Landwehr regiments, and identification tables for officer and other ranks helmets. Without a doubt, these are the most extensive and comprehensive books on this subject ever published in English. The information presented here will make this book essential for the novice and advanced collector, military historian and restorer.

This is the preeminent reference on antique English knives, written by one of Great Britain's most respected 20th century authorities on weaponry. The text contains much previously unknown historical information about cutlers and their art. Chapters and over 300 color photographs and hand-drawn illustrations cover the earliest history of Sheffield, England, a directory of 19th century cutlers' names, and many groups and types of knives, from the most humble penknife to magnificent exhibition pieces. The history of the famous American designed Bowie knife, manufactured extensively in Sheffield, is explained and amply illustrated. Discussions present multi-bladed sportsmen's pocket knives, farrier's, smoker's, quill knives, curiosities, and actual knives presented to King George IV in 1821. These appear along with a veritable kaliedoscope of craftsmanship. Quoting from the author's Acknowledgements, "Sheffield's legacy is not just in the tangible dust-covered records or faded photographs rescued from destruction, but in the living art form of their craft that endures and remains the symbol of what was the centre of the cutlery world for well over a hundred years."

Designing symbolic meaning into ornamentation is a long-standing Western artistic tradition, a practice deeply rooted in classical Greek and Roman art. The author directly addresses the question of why particular ornamental patterns of known symbolic significance were chosen by eighteenth century English gunmakers for Native American trade guns. The dynamic, multi-level allegorical symbolism is nothing less than astonishing. The origin of Native Americans as noble savages and as symbols of liberty are argued to be ideas firmly rooted in European classical mythology. Closely related is the development of national symbols of liberty within the American Revolution. A single overarching European allegorical framework is shown to provide a common symbolism of English trade guns, early images of American Indians, and the identity of the early American republic. Ornamentation of firearms gifted and traded to American Indians documents the use of these symbols. By drawing upon deep mythologies of Europe, English gun designers also inadvertently incorporated artwork having deep spiritual significance to many American Indians, helping to account for the long uninterrupted use of the ornamentations.

Fully illustrated, this study assesses the Soviet and Waffen-SS troops who contested the cities of Kharkov and Rostov-on-Don on the Eastern Front during 1942-43. As the Axis invasion of the Soviet Union unfolded, two places that suffered exceptionally severely were Kharkov (now Kharkiv) in Ukraine and Rostov-on-Don in Russia. In total, Kharkov would change hands violently four times between October 1941 and August 1943, and Rostov-on-Don also four times between November 1941 and February 1943. In this book, Chris McNab examines the fighting men of the Red Army and the Waffen-SS who clashed in three battles - one for Rostov (July 1942) and two for Kharkov (February-March and August). He clearly explains the key differences between these two opponents - training, tactics, weaponry, ideology and motivation - and examines how these differences played out in the three engagements, which ranged from open-terrain combined-arms battles to close-quarters street fighting in major urban zones. The text is complemented by specially commissioned artwork and mapping and carefully chosen archive photographs.

This book is a comprehensive collector's guide to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) civilian contractors' private-purchase and service-issue clothing, equipment, and weapons as they were worn and used in the field between 2002 and 2014. A host of detailed photographs show what civilian contractors both in combat and in non-combat roles looked like in Afghanistan and Iraq. This is the first militaria book that presents actual configurations of clothing, equipment, as well as weapons of civilian contractors in as near to realistic configurations as is practically possible. The majority of items presented in this book are bringbacks from Iraq and Afghanistan, where the author worked in different capacities as a civilian contractor. Items shown in the book used to be the author's own work clothes, equipment and tools, or they belonged to fellow contractors who worked with him in different places at different times.

This book provides fellow collectors with a detailed reference on the famed World War II Luftwaffe gravity knife (Flieger-Kappmesser). The book dispels many common misconceptions about the gravity knife's origin, purpose, evolution and history while thoroughly familiarizing the reader with every facet of the gravity knife. To this end the book presents the reader an historical context with which to view the knife and imparts an appreciation for the gravity knife's development and use. As well, through the provision of a general historical backdrop, by briefly introducing the Luftwaffe and its formations, the reader gains an better understanding of how the knife fits into the larger scheme relative to its time and other weapons. As well this book demonstrates, from an historical perspective, that the knife bears testament to the high level of German technology that emerged during the 1930s. Innovative, ergonomic, and of the highest quality, it truly stands far above its contemporaries. The FKm is, undeniably, a state-of-the-art knife from its time.

Produced during the occupation of Japan by United States forces from the end of the Second World War in 1945 to the end of the occupation in 1952, the items presented in this book have become coveted by a large number of collectors. They are identified by an import mark "Made in Occupied Japan" or "Occupied Japan". Thousands of ceramic figurines copying European styles; plastic, paper, and wooden household ornaments; dolls; lamps; vases and planters; etc. can be found with these marks.

Bullard Firearms is the story of a mechanical genius whose rifles and cartridges were the equal of any made in America in the 1880s, yet little of substance had been written about James H. Bullard or his arms prior to 1988, when the first edition, called Bullard Arms, was published.This much enlarged volume with over 1,000 black and white and 150 color plates, most not previously published, answers many of the questions posed in the first edition. The author hopes this book will continue on the path begun by the first edition and elevate the work and life of J.H. Bullard into the pantheon of extraordinary American gunmakers and inventors.

Paramarine! is devoted to the Marines and Sailors of the Marine Corps parachute units of World War II. It explores in fascinating detail their unique, specially-designed uniforms, equipment, weapons and insignia. For the first time, over 500 photographs and images from World War II and modern collections have been assembled in one volume and combined with a wealth of facts and information about all aspects of Paramarine gear and training. Paramarine is the latest in Schiffer's series of studies on the airborne forces of World War II and is a must for historians and Marine Corps and Airborne collectors around the world.

This is fourth in mulit-volume series covering United States Navy patches from World War II to the present-each volume contains over 1000 patches in full color. This new volume covers: Activities, Bases, Centers, Commands, Communications, Cruises, Depots, Division, Facilities, Fields, Fleets, Flotillas, Forces, Groups, Medical, Missiles, Schools, Shipyards, Squadrons, Stations, Teams, Units, and Miscellaneous units. (See page 40 for previous volumes).

Beginning in the Civil War, the U.S. Army sought to find an effective system to distinguish troops from different units. In the closing days of World War I, it finally arrived at a practical and desirable solution with the adoption of the shoulder patch or shoulder sleeve insignia. For more than eighty years, this often simple device, has been the source of pride and inspiration for servicemen everywhere. This all new collection (the third in a multi-volume set), with a gallery of more than 600 color and sepia toned illustrations of original insignia and period photographs, documents the evolution of these special insignia. From the period beginning with World War I to the Korean War era, you won't find a more indispensable guide for the study and collection of U.S. Army shoulder patches. Collectors will especially enjoy the handy reference section for determining whether a patch was made by an ally, or a former foe. With special emphasis on theater made patches, these volumes are sure to be a collector's paradise. Without a doubt, this series is the finest and most complete effort to date on the subject.

This new book is everything the toy gun collector could ever wish for, with over 600 full-color photographs of cap guns and gun accessories and a current value guide! Cap guns have been mass-produced since the post-Civil War era, made of wood, lead and iron. Designs were unusual; some guns pictured in this book even had two-and three-dimensional figures, or were animated with moving figures! In the 20th century toy guns became realistic models, of cast iron, wood, composition, and plastic. Since 1950, most toy cap guns continue to be made of plastic or die-cast material. Cap guns from the Baby Boomer era of 1940-1965 are currently the most popular with collectors. Guns shown in this book reveal the public fascination with cowboys and westerns, from Roy Rogers and Gene Autry to Hopalong Cassidy and the Lone Ranger. The glamorous guns of this period featured character names, shiny finishes, fancy plastic grips, and holster sets with sparkling stones and studs. Interest in toy guns has grown tremendously in the past few years. Demand far exceeds what is currently available for purchase as cap guns become one of the hottest collectibles among antique toy enthusiasts.

This encyclopedia of firearms is both an authoritative reference work and a stunning visual directory, explaining the development of arms through the centuries. The chronological survey begins with gunpowder and the first crude 14th-century hand cannons, and continues through handguns and the development of machine and submachine guns. Each gun's features are listed, as are the military, political and technological contexts in which the gun was developed. A full list of manufacturers and a glossary complete this easy-to-use encyclopedia. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in gun manufacture and conflicts of war.