Firearms of the Royal Armouries II  by Nils Drejholt. Stockholm: The Royal Armoury–Livrustkammaren, Slottsbacken 3, SE-III 30, Stockholm, Sweden. 373 pp., 9½x9 inches, 835 ills. ISBN 91-87594-32-3. Price 290(approx US$47.00) SEK; 237 SEK overseas postage.

Livrustkammaren — the Swedish Royal Armoury, is one of the world’s truly great arms museums.  In earlier centuries, before it became a museum, it was the repository for much of the Royal Arms Collections and for more than a century has been a world leader in arms research (in 1914 the first internatinal symposium “. This new title can be added to the significant resource material available on the arms collections in Sweden. The first volume in the series, also by Dr. Drijholt, the Chief Curator and head of the Collections Department, recorded the Royal collections from Gustave II Adolf (1573-1625) to Charles XIII (1748-1818).

The catalogue is organized chronologically and begins where Part I ended, with firearms donated to the State from the armouries of King Karl XIV Johan (1760-1844), King Oscar I (1799-1859), to King Gustaf VI Adolf (1882-1973), and various private collections, to the 1870s when the decision was made to establish a National Arms Museum, and lack of space which necessitated a move of unrelated material to other museums and arms to Livrustkammaren

Firearms of the Royal Armouries II  is a well illustrated, well documented text (in English) of the firearms at Livrustkammaren, based upon the catalogues prepared by the original owners. It is illustrated with almost 850 large, clear photographs, many of them in color, with a lot of detail illustrations and a large number of gunmakers’ marks. The contents run the gamut from early snaphance muskets to the hunting guns of the later kings.

 

Make all Sure: The conservation and restoration of arms and armour. Edited by Robert Douglas Smith. Basilisco Press, Hawthorne Cottage, Moorfield Road, Leeds, LS12 3SE, England. 144 pp., 11½x8 inches, 155 b/w 73 colour ill., softcover, ISBN 0-9551622-0-3, UK£25 postpaid (approx US$50.00)

In 2002, the first international conference on the restoration and conservation of Arms and armour was held on the historically important island of Malta. It was organized jointly by the Royal Armouries in Leeds and the Malta Centre for Conservation and Restoration with assistance from the Palace Armoury, Valetta and the International Association of Museums of Arms and Military History (IAMAM), now ICOMAM, the International Council of Museums of Arms and Military History. The publication was supported by

Nineteen papers were presented by specialists in their own fields of conservation and these have been collected under the editorship of Robert D. Smith, former head of conservation at the Tower of London and The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.

A collection of 19 essays on relating to the preservation of arms and armour covering the conservation of European and Japanese armour, firearms, gunshields, painted shields, and archaeological material. Reports on the analysis of arms and armour including gilded surfaces, crucible steels and Viking swords by some of the leading authorities on the subject, are included. The record of papers follows:

Only Skin deep: surface coatings on arms and armour by David Starley; Historic Techniques for the gilding of armour by Kilian Anheuser; Historic techniques for the gilding of armolur by Kilian Anheuser; Crucible steel: Production and identification by Ann Feuerbach; Metallurgical examination of Viking-age sword blades to reveal their pattern-welding technology; by Joachim Kinder, Martin Klein and Christian Segebade; Aspects of the conservation and restoration of archaeological arms and armour  by Marilyn Hockey and Fleur Shearman; The conservation of the Wollaston Anglian helmet by Anthony Read; The restoration of a 15th century ‘Gothic’ equestrian armour in the Wallace Collection, London  by David Edge; The conservation of armour by Douglas Smith; International rescue: An Anglo-Maltese collaboration  by Suzanne J. Kitto; Different approaches to the care of firearms by Alison Draper; The storage and maintenance of weapons in the Palace Armoury, Malta, during the 17th and 18th centuries  by Stephen C. Spiteri; The conservation of a gun-shield from the arsenal of Henry VIII, Textiles meets arms & armour; the benefits of a multi-disciplinary research approach by Simon Metcalf, Anthony R.E. North and Derek Balfour; The restoration of medieval painted shields in the Metropolitan Museum by Stuart W. Pyhrr; The conservation of a Japanese armour by Igor Ravbar; The conservation and display of a Japanese armour from the Edo Period by Llasse Mattila; A history of arms and armour conservation at the Metropolitan Museum by Stuart W. Phyrr; Metals conservation at the Royal Armoury in Stockholm by Lisen Tamm; The armourers’ chest— Looking after armour in the 17th century by Ruth Rhynas Brown; Through a glass darkly by Guy M. Wilson Colour plates.

This important series of papers covering most areas of interest to museums and arms collectors should be in every museum conservators’ library.  Credit Card payment is not available. For ordering contact smithbrown@basiliscoe.fsnet.uk

 

One Hundred Years of Winchester Cartridge Boxes, 1856-1956 by Ray T. Giles & Daniel L Shuey. Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Rd., Atglen, PA 19310. 312 pp., 11x8½ inches, over 1,400 illustrations (all color) ISBN 0-7643-2541-8.  $69.95  (V/MC)

It is safe to say that no more handsome book has ever been produced for cartridge collectors than this new publication released by Shiffer. Ray Giles and Dan Shuey have put together a comprehensive “encyclopaedia” covering 100 years of the evolution of Winchester cartridge boxes. Each box is illustrated with large, clear, color illustrations of the full box and where needed, larger illustrations of the details which differentiate different printings. Each is accompanied by a descriptive caption (un-numbered) and an estimated value.

Following an introduction which covers box condition, rarity, value and photography, the authors have produced an overview which discusses box construction and box types to provide a terminology for collectors of all cartridge box manufacturers. As they relate to Winchester products, they have identified labels by color and have been able to produce a chronological sequence as the first step in identification.  In addition, this chapter includes data on production code markings, date stamps, paste-on overprint labels, file codes, perforated “dot codes,” etc.

Chapter 2 deals with Volcanic cartridge packaging and Chapter 3 deals with Henry and Winchester Model 1866 calibers. Thereafter, chapters are organized first, by the model year of the rifle which introduced a caliber (and succeeding models in the same category) and then by caliber within those models.  Each is preceded by an illustration and brief history of the rifles. Chapter 4, for example covers the Models 1873, 1892, 53, 65, and 43, with packaging for the caliber 218 Bee, .22 Hornet, .22RF, .25-20 W.C.F., .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40. The .22 W.C.F. is also discussed but only a catalogue entry survives to indicate that it was ever produced.

Chapter 4 to 15 cover the Model 1876; The Hotchkiss Rifle, Model 1883; Model 1885 Single Shot; Model 1886, 71; Models 1894, 55, 64; Model 1895; Lee Straight Pull Rifle; Models 1905, 1907, 1910; Model 36; Models 54, 70, 88; Chapter 16 provides 14 pages on Winchester calibers produced by other manufacturers

The real meat of this book is the pages between one chapter introduction, and the next chapter introduction. For example, illustrations of the boxes, in chronological order—13 pages on the .44-40 with 70, large, clear, color illustrations including details of significant characteristics. The value of this book to both the Winchester collector and the general collector will be tremendous. A Glossary and Abbreviations, a Bibliography, and an Index have been included.

The quality of One Hundred Years is typical of Schiffer books: good printing, good color, good paper and excellent binding. It is a book which will be around for the next 100 years.

 

Luftwaffe Gravity Knife by Mack A. Pattarozzi. Shiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Rd., Atglen, PA . 268 pp., 9x6 inches, 289 illustrations, ISBN 0-7643-2419-5 HC, $49.95.

The Lufwtwaffe Gravity Knife, more correctly named Fliegerkamppmesser, which is loosely translated «Flyer’s-cutting knife» abreviated to FKm or often erroneously titled Fakkschirmjägermesser, is a simple, all stainless-steel knife with scales of wood and a 5 inch (12.7cm) blade. As the title indicates, this is the story of a utility knife with a blade that is stowed in the grip when not in use but when called upon, is, using only one hand, immediately, avialable and securely locked in place

Although originally intended for the airforce (Luftwaffe), it was also adopted by the army (Heer) and the navy (Kriegsmarine). It was officially approved 24 May, 1937 for flight crews and paratroopers.  Mr. Pattarozi has handled the background of the role played by the different services and the background of the organization of the German army in considerable depth

In eleven chapters and eight appendices, the author has traced the history, design, construction and use of the FKm. The reader will find the exploded views (Appendix A); Variations and the Main Characteristics (Appendix B); Classification and Markings (Appendix E); and the Glossary of Terms, (Appendix G), Each will be especially useful

 

Tranter Cartridge Firearms by Joel Black, Kerry Guerin and Roger G. Michaud. Self published, available from Joel Black, 11066 Spring Creek Rd., Blue Mounds, WI  53517. Phone 608-437-5353 joel_black@netzero.net . 11x8½ inches, 294 pp., 394 ills., softcover. US$ 40.00.

When three specialist collectors get together to produce a book on their area of specialization, the result, as in this case, has provided the best data available on the line of cartridge revolvers made by William Tranter of Birmingham, one of England’s most important 19th century gun makers.

William Tranter as born at Oldbury, near Birmingham, in 1816 and by 1839 was established as a gunmaker in Birmingham. In 1849 he filed Registered Design No. 2054, a legal registration one step below a patent, for a pepperbox revolver action which probably did not reach production.

In 1853 he patented his first revolver action covering the well-known “double trigger” percussion revolver and continued with more than a dozen related patents over the next couple of decades. Although his revolvers were extremely well made, they are not as well known to gun owners. This in part is because he supplied a lot of the components to the gun trade, those who would now be considered his competition, and his name appeared on them only as a small WT under the grips or some obscure part or as a simple brand on the frame. His practice of leaving the top of the barrels blank, to be engraved by the merchants who sold them, passes the credit by many of today’s collectors, to others

Tranter Cartridge Firearms begins with a brief background on the inventor and detailed drawings of the features of his patents. This is followed by a most comprehensive series on the various revolver and rifle designs produced by the company. Each is illustrated with one or more large, high quality, color illustrations with a lengthy caption recording the arm’s characteristics. To provide an indication of the amount of space devoted to each, the chapters and model variations covered have been followed by the first page number for each. They include:  a Tranter Family History—5; Sheath (Spur) Trigger Revolvers—10; Model 1863 Revolvers—46; House Defence Revolvers—64; Model 1868 Revolvers—84; Saloon Pistols—148; Rook Rifles —182; Model 1878 Revolvers—204;  Model 1879 —214; .577 Revolvers—228; Kynock/Schleund Revolvers—228; Annomalies—258; Appendix 1, A note on Serial Numbering—284;  Appendix 2, Relative Rarity of Tranter’s Cartridge Models.—285; Appendix 3, Data Sheets of component variations.—286.

For the record, the press run of this book, which was published by the authors, was based upon the number copies considered to be about what would be required. Orders should be sent to Joel Black. The price ($40.00) includes shipping in the USA.  Credit card payment is not available; personal cheques or money orders should be addressed to Mr. Black at the address above.

 

The Drilling by Norbert Llups. Shiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Rd., Atglen, PA . 230pp., 11x8½ inches, 230 illustrations, ISBN 978-0-7643-2749-0  HC, $49.95.

Multi-barrel and guns with combination rifle and shotgun barrels are well known in the muzzle loading period but it was not until the advent of breech loading in the 1870s and light-weight steel that “Drillings” came into their own. They are now what are probably the most expensive sporting gun on the market and most are made to order.

This new publication about the class was first printed in German, the language of the originators, under the title Der Drilling, Geschichte, Einsatz einer jagdlichen Universalwaffe.  After a brief introduction, Mr. Llups first discusses the two major components: the lock mechanism and the breech mechanism in that order.

The key component, the lock, had special requirements which permitted the firing of three barrels one at a time in the order of choice. The earliest were built on shotgun-like side-hammer guns with locks no more sophisticated than its muzzle loading ancestor. The author has recorded, using spectacular illustrations, progress through the Blitz lock system, Anson locks, side locks, Nimrod box lock, and Fückert Crown locks.

The first breech patent was issued in Germany to Peter Oberhammer under date of 3 February 1878 and since then it has been under constant change and improvement. Chapter IV titled Breech Systems, details these changes and in sub chapters describes and illustrates The Lefaucheux Breech, the T Breech, Bolt breeches, the Kersten breech, the Schüler Herkules breech, the Brenneke breech, the patent of Franz Jäger, Thieme & Schlegelmilch, Texchner & Collath, Emmanuel Meffert of Suhl, Robert Schrader, Burkhard Behr, and the drillings from Ferlach.

Most Drillings are now produced in the factories of Krieghoff, Sauer & Sohn, Suhl, Heym, Blaser, Antonio Soli, or Mathelon. But there are custom gunmakers who will produce on special order and these have been covered in some detail with illustrations of their work and special features they will incorporate into their guns.

Further chapters are devoted to engraving, components, the butt, sights, insertion (subcaliber) barrels, telescopic sights and mounts, buying used drilling, shooting in .223, and the care of a drilling.

The author of The Drilling/Der Drilling, Geschichte and Shiffer publishing have produced a book of quality that will stir the imagination of gun lovers at all pocket book levels.

 

The History of Sniping and Sharpshooting by John L. Plaster. Paladin Press, 7077 Winchester Circle, Boulder, CO. 80301. 704 pp., 8½x11 inches, 700 (+/-) ills., hardcover, ISBN 978-1-58160-632-4. US$89.95.

Although there are a number of books on the craft of the sniper, this is the first in depth study of the subject by a former instructor and long-time student of the history. Maj. John Plaster, USAR (Ret.) began collecting material on the history of sniping more than 25 years ago and on business trips it was a second project. He was an overseer at the European sniping championships in the Czech Republic, studied at the Austrian Military Museum, attended the Fort Benning Army Sniper School, and is the author of The Ultimate Sniper, a book about Russian snipers and their tactics.

Most books on sniping concentrate in WW1 and WW2, with extensive coverage of the rifles and equipment, and little else.  This one does not neglect the artifacts but there is considerable on the men who used them and the men who they were used on.

The History of Sniping and Sharpshooting has been presented in six parts:

1.   Early Wars in the New World and on the Continent; 
The Sharpshooter’s Dawn
Sharpshooting Revolution
The Rifle Comes of Age

2.    The American Civil War; 
War of the Sharpshooters
Civil War Sharpshooter Weapons and Equipment
Civil War Sharpshooter Tactics and Techniques
Sharpshooters in Battle

3.   Sharpshooting in Transition. 
Small Wars and Big Innovations

4.   Two World Wars: 
True Sniping Begins: World War 1
Snipers from the New World
Europe’s Second Sniping War
Sniping on the Eastern Front
Sniping in the Pacific

5.   The Asian Wars; 
Sniping in Korea
The Vietnam Sniping War

6.    Sniping in the 21st Century.
Sniping After Vietnam
Sniping in Afghanistan and Iraq
Sniping in the Future