Books (Equipment)
Bullets and Blades is now pleased to be able to offer a number of books related to the collecting and study of antique swords.
Our books are all sourced direct from authors and publishers and sent direct to you. Therefore you may notice that shipping costs may vary with each item depending upon where it will come from. We do this so that as well as receiving large discounts for our customers, the total price to you will be as low as possible. We have special relationships with all our suppliers so we aim to be the cheapest source for your specialist books, so please let us know if you can find the books cheaper anywhere else.
If you are looking for a specific book but cannot find it in our catalogue then please email me. We are in contact with a large number of book dealers and we may be able to source the book for you. This includes foreign language and rare out of print works.
Prices to this location are in USD.
Please click on one of the subjects below to view our catalogue. Alternatively you may search on the author or title
| Armour from the Battle of Wisby Bengt Thordeman (New) On July 27th, 1361, outside the Hanseatic League city of Wisby on the Swedish island of Gotland, 1800 peasants gathered to defend their rich city from the onslaught of Danish King Waldemar. Equipped with outmoded equipment, the city suffered a horrific defeat. Several days went by before the Danish victory was completed. In the meantime, the bodies decayed in the hot sun. When Wisby's inhabitants were finally able to emerge and bury the dead, all that could be done was to dig large pits and quickly lower the bodies, some still encased in their armour. The Battle of Wisby is perhaps the most celebrated medieval battle in Scandinavia, and yet were it not for the mass graves it would be all but unknown to Western students of medival history. The peat bog into which the bodies were buried preserved not only their bones but also elements of their harness and accoutrement, leaving what is without doubt the most important archeological record for the period. Preserved in the graves are the bones of the slain, recording their gruesome wounds for all time, elements of their armour, coins and dress accessories. The wealth of material is unmatched even in the recently released studies of the Tewksbury graves. Published originally in 1939, Bengt Thordeman's work remains the most important record of the battle. It has been cited in virtually every bibliography on the subject of arms and armour. Long out of print, the Chivalry Bookshelf reprint edition, produced in cooperation with the Swedish Academy of Sciences, aims to make this work more widely available, combining the original two volumes into one. A must for collectors, students of medieval history, arms and armour enthusiasts, wound pathologists, medieval archeologists, collectors of medieval artifacts and coins. Specifications 280 x 215mm 616 pages 636 illustrations |  | Price : $103 USD I am sorry but we do not know the shipping value to your location. Please email me for a quote |
| Civil War Cartridge Boxes of the Union Infantryman Paul D. Johnson (New) There were four patterns of infantry cartridge boxes used by Union forces during the Civil War. Quoting original Ordnance Department letters, the author describes the development and subsequent pattern changes to these cartridge boxes that were made throughout the rifle-musket percussion era. Using 175+ photographs, Johnson has finally answered many of the questions concerning these cartridge boxes. 352 pages, 7"x10". Hardcover |  | Price : $43 USD Shipping to America : $5 |
| Emperor's Coat in the First World War: Uniforms and Equipment of the Austro-Hungarian Army from 19141918 Stefan Rest, M. Christian Ortner and Thomas Ilming (New) This 500-page book filled with color illustrations presents, for the first time, a detailed and systematic view of the uniforms and equipment of the Austro-Hungarian Army during the First World War. More than 1,200 color illustrations, some of objects never shown before: from the personal uniform of Kaiser Franz Joseph 1, to the field grey regulation wear of the common soldier; from the golden Dragoon's helmet to the dull, brown steel helmet of the Isonzo Front. A?total of 250 contempororaty photographs give a vivid impression of how soldiers in the Austro-Hungarian Army looked wearing "The Emperor's Coat" during WWI. This book depicts a changing army, its soldiers marching into battle in 1914 in brightly colored parade dress and returning home in 1918 in worn-out field grey uniforms. Large format 9.5"x11.5". |  | Price : $117 USD Shipping to America : $39 |
| Eprouvettes RTW Kempers (New) A survey of gunpowder testing through the ages precedes a proposal for an eprouvette typology, which forms the core of the book. A series of useful appendices includes a listing of over 700 eprouvettes traced. |  | Price : $35 USD Shipping to America : $32 |
| French Army in the First World War - to battle 1914: Uniforms - Equipment - Armament Laurent Mirouze and Stephane Dekerle (New) With more than 500 original artifacts show, for the first time, the appearance of the French army at the outbreak of WWI, i.e. at the time of mobilization in August 1914. Approx. 1,000 photographs on 528 pages give the reader a vivid picture of the different headgear, uniforms and items of clothing and equipment including cavalry equipment (saddlery). The originals illustrated in the book derive from the Musée de l'Armée in Paris and Salon-de-Provence (L'Empérie) and are supplemented by major public and private collections. The majority of the artifacts are shown to the public for the first time. The book shows the reader the colorfulness of the French army at the beginning of the war in Europe, supplemented by the traditions of African and Arab units and influences on uniforms. The Orientally inspired clothing of "L'Armée d'Afrique," the uniforms of the Foreign Legion and colonial troops and elegant officers' clothing mirror both the fashions of the time and the prestige of wearing uniform. The complete equipment of a colonial soldier before 1914. from his képi to his knife, in almost mint quality, each individual item stamped with the personal registration number of the soldier, gives these objects a human and emotional dimension. Large format 10"x11.5" |  | Price : $120 USD Shipping to America : $39 |
| One Hundred Years of Winchester Cartridge Boxes 1856-1956 Ray T. Giles & Daniel L. Shuey (New) Covering the 100 years that Winchester an its predecessor companies, volcanic Repeating Arms Co., and New Haven Arms Co., produced cartridges in New Haven, this is the first detailed study ever done on cartridge boxes from the era of the modern gun. Coverage includes all the calibers cataloged for every rifle model from 1856 to 1956. Drawing on never before seen company records and correspondence, as well as interviews with oldtime employees, the authors have unearthed a wealth of new and significant information on this under-researched, fast growing aspect of gun-related collectibles. With over 1,400 pictures, all in FULL COLOR, this book also includes a Pricing Guide and a Rarity Guide. It is unlikely that the incredible number of varieties of Winchester cartridge boxes pictured will ever again be assembled for presentation to the collecting public. Whether you want to date your collectible box or determine which box would be approprariate as a contemporary display piece with your Winchester rifle, this is the book to own. Hardcover, 9"x11.5", over 1400 FULL COLOR photos, 312 pages |  | Price : $66 USD Shipping to America : $5 |
| POLEARMS OF PAULUS HECTOR MAIR David James Knight and Brian Hunt (New) Paulus Hector Mair was perhaps the most intriguing figure in the Liechtenauer tradition of German Renaissance martial arts. An enthusiastic practitioner of fencing, wrestling and other martial arts, he was determined to preserve the knowledge of the combat arts of his time. His dream is realized in this remarkable book by authors David James Knight and Brian Hunt. Mair collected a vast combat library, including works by Jörg Wilhalm, Antonius Rast, Gregor Erhart and Sigmund Ringeck, as well as copies of both the Codex Wallerstein and the Königsegg-Talhoffer manuscript. In or about 1540, Mair produced the Opus Amplissimum de Arte Athletica, or Ultimate Book of the Art of Athletics, a massive compendium heavily influenced by the earlier works in his library but surpassing them in content and depth. Today only three complete manuscripts of his Opus survive in German and Austrian collections. In Polearms of Paulus Hector Mair, authors Knight and Hunt make their contribution to the endeavour that Mair began so many centuries ago. Working from both the German and Latin versions of Mair’s Opus, they present chapters on combat with the poleaxe, halberd, spear and shortstaff, and lance and longstaff, with text in the original German and Latin, along with the English translation. The illustrations, taken from the Dresden codices, C93 and C94, have been meticulously restored to give a clear view of the techniques. This amazing volume, a labour of love of the arts of combat, belongs in the library of everyone with an interest in Renaissance martial arts. Specifications 280 x 215 mm 292 pages pages Illustrated throughout |  | Price : $36 USD Shipping to America : $10 |
| Small Arms of the British Forces In America 1664-1815 De Witt Bailey (New) Pre-order. Estimated Shipping Date is Tuesday, March 19, 2009 From noted researcher De Witt Bailey comes this long -awaited guide to the British firearms and accoutrements carrie on the battlefields of North America. The French and Indian Wars, the American Revolution and the War of 1812 are all covered in amazing detail, as are the age of colonialism and peacetime years. So whether your topic is Braddock's March, Bunker Hill or the Battle of New Orleans, the information you are seeking will be found here. Weapons of all the land and sea forces are included - with detailed photographs that allow individual examples to be identified and dated quickly and easily. Also included is a true motherlode of issue data taken directly from Ordnance records. If you are trying to figure out "which regiment got what," then this book is sure to thrill you with the amount of previously unpublished information that it presents. The end result gives the reader a unique understanding of the relationship between British military weapons and the men who carried them. Nothing this ambitious has ever been attempted before and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
- From Brown Bess Muskets to Rifles, Carbines and Pistols, this Groundbreaking Study Covers it All! More than 400 detailed photographs show the features and markings that are critical to understanding these fascinating weapons! 376 pages, 400+ photos, 8.5" x 11", coated paper, hardcover. |  | Price : $57 USD Shipping to America : $5 |
| TECHNIQUES OF MEDIEVAL ARMOUR REPRODUCTION Brian R Price, with a foreword by David Edge (New) Through more than 1,000 detailed photos and clear textual instruction, Brian Price presents a working handbook for aspiring and active armourers who want to develop and sharpen their skills in the production of medieval armour in the style of the 14th century. Taking the reader through the construction of an authentic medieval harness from conception to completion, Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction is a vital addition to the libraries of serious craftsmen, historians, collectors and researchers. Specifications 280 x 215 mm 526 pages pages illustrations |  | Price : $54 USD Shipping to America : $9 |
| THE ART OF MAIL ARMOR Mary Brewer, with a foreword by Brian R Price (New) Picture yourself in a full set of shining mail armor at your next reenactment, fair or costume party. And the best part is that you can say you made it yourself. The Art of Mail Armor shows you how to start with a piece of wire and end with a finished garment that costs a fraction of what it would ready-made and fits perfectly because it was custom made just for you. The book features seven original patterns from the author and step-by-step diagrams and instructions for attractive coifs (head coverings), hauberks (shirts), gauntlets, (gloves) and bishop's collars, as well as juggling balls, necklaces, belts, crosses and other jewelry. Find out how easy it is to assemble your tool kit and materials; acquire the best wire for specific items; measure for a perfect fit; join, enlarge, round, angle and fit sleeves; and incorporate decorative trimmings and inlays to make your designs truly unique. Also learn some quick and easy tricks for keeping your pieces clean and shiny – with no scrubbing or expensive commercial cleaners. Whether you are a Renaissance or medieval enthusiast, reenactor, historian, martial artist, jewelry designer or just someone with an interest in armor, you'll want to add this book to your library. Even experienced mail makers will find new ideas and techniques. Softcover 978-1-58160-586-0 168 pages 8.5" x 11" 450 photos, illust. |  | Price : $27 USD Shipping to America : $9 |
| The German Cavalry 18711914 Ulrich Herr and Jens Nguyen (New) With its traditions and diversity, the German cavalry represented the most colorful branch of service of the German Empire. To an extent never seen before, this 640-page, magnificently illustrated book shows the uniforms, equipment and armament of the entire German cavalry from the foundation of the Empire in 1871 to the eve of the First World War in 1914. Based on still extant sources such as clothing regulations or military decrees, the book endeavors to document modifications and alterations to different items of equipment over a period of 43 years. Not only the collector can learn a wealth of new aspects, the military historian can also gain a valuable overview due to the well structured and systematic arrangement of the book. Hardcover w/dustjacket, 10"x12", 640 pgs., approx. 1,500 photographs and illustrations. Color and B&W. |  | Price : $124 USD Shipping to America : $39 |
| The German Colonial Troops from 1889 to 1918 - History, Uniforms and Equipment Jurgen Kraus, Thomas Muller (New) This 600-page illustrated volume deals first with the history of Germany's colonial ambition, thus providing a historical and political framework. Starting with the first tentative colonisation projects, this part of the book concentrates on the years between 1884 (the establishment, under Imperial constitutional law, of the first 'protectorate') and 1919, the formal end of Germany's colonial Empire with the Treaty of Versailles. It describes the motives of a country striving to obtain "a place in the sun" and the initial reluctance of Reichs Chancellor Bismarck, who eventually conceded to the idea of colonisation, and then deals in detail with the security organisation in the protectorates as well as the special case of Jiaozhou, China. This introductory section closes with the campaigns and military operations prior to the First World War and the occurrences during the War, 1914 to 1918. The second part deals with the uniforms and equipment of the Schutztruppen: based on the early uniforms worn from 1889 in German East Africa and German South-West Africa, the universal uniform for all 'Imperial Schutztruppen' was established in 1896. Along with the representative grey home uniform, this also included a sand-coloured or white tropical uniform adapted to the climate in the protectorates. In 1913, the field grey uniform was finally introduced. Despite the basic form, uniforms and equipment varied in the protectorates. All the various items, such as pith helmets, caps, tunics and cartridge belts, are described here in great detail. The African soldiers' tropical uniform is also dealt with in a special section. The troops for East Asia presented a completely different picture. Initially, the East Asia Expeditionary Corps, sent out in 1900, was only issued an improvised uniform, which made quite an exotic impression with its straw hats. By 1901 the troops were issued special field grey winter and summer uniforms with brand new helmets, pith helmets, tunics and equipment. These items were not only worn by the East Asia Occupation Troops until 1909, they also became trial models in the search for a new field uniform and many important elements were later incorporated into the field uniform of the German Army. ca. 600 pages, approx. 1000 photographs |  | Price : $120 USD Shipping to America : $39 |
| The German Reichswehr: Uniforms and Equipment of the German Army from 1919 to 1932 Adolf Schlicht and Jürgen Kraus (New) The English version is here! Much anticipated! Learn about the origins of WWII German uniforms. For the first time this illustrated volume of 464 pages describes and shows in minute detail the entire clothing and equipment of the German Army from 1919 to 1932. More than 1,000 photographs and illustrations show the appearance of the German Reichswehr, which developed in the Weimar Republic immediately after WWI and whose uniforms and items of equipment were still in use up to the Second World War. During the experimental phase of the Provisional Reichswehr, 1919/1920, an entirely new course was taken in the design of uniforms, but with the establishment of the final Reichswehr in 1920 uniforms received their last appearance with a return to more traditional designs. Following the German Army in the First World War, a modern standard uniform was created with an entirely new system of insignia. Its components, including insignia and personal items of equipment, are described in detail, and the text is based on comprehensive research of sources. All the items of clothing are shown to the viewer in brilliant color photographs. For this purpose the assets of the Bayerisches Armeemuseum could be utilized for the first time, which also contain an impressive collection of original samples. Additions are provided by important artefacts from the Wehrgeschichtliches Museum in Rastatt and from private collections. Contemporary b&w photographs show how the artifacts were worn or carried. Often the photographs show officers who were to gain military fame years later in the Second World War. Large format 10"x11.5", w/dustjacket. |  | Price : $107 USD Shipping to America : $39 |
