Books (Misc.)
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
| 6010 Gunpowder Armies Tim Newark (New) Gunpowder was first discovered and used by the Chinese, but it wasn't until the 15th century that gunpowder was of a sufficient quality to be used effectively on European battlefields. This new volume examines the use of gunpowder by military forces, and the period of coverage ranges from the mid-16th century to the late 19th century. Included in its compass are both European and colonial conflicts. As gunpowder production became more consistent, the effectiveness of weapons increased, developing from the muskets of the 16th and 17th centuries, to matchlocks and then flintlocks. These again were superseded by rifled barrels. The popular format adopted in this book provides a full-page colour plate accompanied by a detailed and informative description of the illustration exploring the development of gunpowder weapons. The artwork is produced by a variety of artists like Angus McBride, Richard Hook, and features some of the finest military artists in the world today. Major conflicts such as the Battle of Culloden, the French-Indian War in North America, the American Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and the American Civil War are all included, amongst others. This book offers a deeply informative insight into the development of gunpowder weapons and the armies that wielded them with ever-increasing competency. In all there are no less than 22 splendid illustrations and detailed descriptions included in this book. Topics such as uniforms, weapons, tactics and historical details are all there in a readily digestible form, making this an indispensable addition to any military enthusiast's bookshelf. Specifications 296 x 210mm |  | Price : $22 USD I am sorry but we do not know the shipping value to your location. Please email me for a quote |
| A.A.Catoire de Bioncourt's Weapons Collection I.N. Paltusova (New) The author, Irina Nickolayevna Paltusova, Ph.D. (history), is the Head of the Weapons Department of the State Historical Museum in Moscow. This book tells about one of the best Russian private weapon collections once belonging to A.A.Catoire de Bioncourt (Moscow) and donated to the Historical Museum in 1909. This collection included over 600 masterpieces by both famous and next-to-forgotten West European and Oriental armorers.
22x29 cm |  | Price : $46 USD Shipping to America : $25 |
| Antique Swords & Daggers Veleanu, Mircea (New) This noteworthy and exceptionally comprehensive book features edged weapons dating from the Neolithic period to the early 20th century. These fascinating antiques come from all over the globe, including Europe, America, the Middle East, Asia, Japan, and Africa. Detailed descriptions and 897 outstanding color photos help collectors identify and study the characteristics, historical uses, and current values of highly diverse swords and daggers. Among the items showcased are tribal, ceremonial, and presentation edged weapons, Indonesian krises, and Borneo "headhunter" swords. Valuable information is provided about rare artifacts, terminology, and evaluating age and authenticity of the weapons. Novice as well as advanced collectors will find this an indispensable reference. Hardback. 288 pages |  | Price : $79.95 USD Shipping to America : $7 |
| Armoury Chamber of the Russian Tsars A.K.Levykin, I.A.Komarov, et al. (New) This publication introduces the reader to the history of the Moscow Kremlin Arsenal with its collection of weaponry belonging to Russian Tzars during the 13th-17th centuries. Photographed had been both the best-known masterpieces of firearms and edged weapons displayed in the museum and those kept in reserve storage. An elaborate catalog is also provided.
22x29 cm |  | Price : $47 USD Shipping to America : $37 |
| British Naval Armaments (New) Series of key articles on the general development of artillery in the period 1600-1900. Discusses the mechanisms of loading and firing and also specific guns. |  | Price : $17 USD Shipping to America : $24 |
| Fighting Iron: A Metals Handbook for Arms Collectors Art Gogan (New) It doesn't matter whether you collect guns, swords, bayonets or accoutrements - sooner or later you realize that it all comes down to the metal. If you don't understand the metal, you don't understand your collection. And, since most of us aren't metallurgists, we need a guide to help us. A guide that is easy to use, explains things in simple English and covers all of the different historical periods that we are interested in. 176 pp. 6"x9". Hardcover. |  | Price : $27 USD Shipping to America : $5 |
| Gatchina Arsenal Yu.G. Yefimov (New) The author, Yury Georgiyevitch Yefimov, is a research fellow at the Arsenal of the State Hermitage. The album is the first ever introduction for 100 masterpieces by Russian and foreign armorers belonging in the collection of the Gatchina Palace museum near St.Petersburg, totaling about 1,100 pieces. Every single item presented in the album is a link to a member of the Royal family or to Count G.G.Orlov, the initial collector and owner.
22x29 cm |  | Price : $29.5 USD Shipping to America : $25 |
| Highlights of the Weaponry Collection in the Central Naval Museum Igor Pavlovich Sukhanov (New) Author - Igor Pavlovich Sukhanov - Captain, holder of a higher degree in naval sciences, the chief curator of the weaponry collection in the Central Naval Museum. The present publication contains information about the Central Naval Museum`s weaponry collection (Saint-Petersburg), the craftsmen who produced edged weapons and firearms, the techniques used to decorate them, their owners and their biographies. It will undoubtedly be of interest not only to specialists, but also to a wide range of collectors and others interested in the history of the Russian Navy. TEXT IN ENGLISH
21x27,5 cm. |  | Price : $59.5 USD Shipping to America : $25 |
| Old Sword Play: Techniques of the Great Masters Alfred Hutton (New) Comprehensive, detailed instruction in the use of the two-hand sword, rapier and dagger, broadsword and buckler, rapier and cloak, and dagger and cloak, along with 59 illustrations, including diagrams and rare woodcuts, of classic fencing positions. Valuable information for scholars, sword-play enthusiasts, general readers and anyone interested in this age-old form of self-defense. Paperback (pp: 104) |  | Price : $16 USD Shipping to America : $16 |
| 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 |
| Springalds and Great Crossbows (New) Looks at the development of these little-known, low-trajectory weapons. From the end of the 10th century, this form of artillery achieved a certain level of excellence and springalds became fundamental to the defence of medieval towns and cities. To this end, they were part of the European economic renaissance which followed the end of the great invasions. Illustrated throughout, this lively and informative book is of interest to the crossbow enthusiast and general reader alike. |  | Price : $17 USD Shipping to America : $24 |
| Swords and Daggers: An Illustrated Handbook Eduard Wagner (New) Crisply written text traces the development of hand weapons from ancient times to the 20th century, as well as their dress and ceremonial significance. Captioned illustrations for more than 250 weapons depict bronze swords made almost 3,000 years ago and a wide range of sabers, broadswords, and rapiers. Paperback (pp: 256) |  | Price : $21 USD Shipping to America : $16 |
| 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 Book of the Sword Sir Richard Burton (New) Eloquent, exceptionally erudite history of the "Queen of Weapons." Traces sword's origin — from prehistory to its full growth during early Roman Empire. Discusses earliest weapons of stone, bone, horn and wood as well as variations: sabre, broadsword, cutlass, scimitar and more. Paperback (pp: 336) |  | Price : $19 USD Shipping to America : $16 |
| 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 Moscow Kremlin. The Imperial Ryust-Kamera A.K.Levykin, O.I.Mironova, et al. (New) This publication introduces 100 most representative pieces belonging in the vast collection of Royal hunting, combat-grade, and ceremonial weaponry kept at the Moscow Kremlin Ryust-Kamera. The development of the collection is carefully traced throughout its history. The book consists of four parts: "Empress Anna Johannovna's weapon collection", "The Chief Hunting Directorate", "The Oranienbaum Ryust-Kamera", and "The Cabinet".
22x29 cm |  | Price : $43 USD Shipping to America : $25 |
| The Sword Through the Centuries Alfred Hutton (New) Engrossing, carefully researched and illustrated survey spanning 5 centuries covers the development of the sword from its earliest forms, beginning with the Age of Chivalry. Lively contemporary accounts provide details on such weapons as the two-hand sword, the rapier and its auxiliaries, dagger and small sword, broadsword, duelling sword and sabre. 48 black-and-white illustrations. Paperback (pp: 400) |  | Price : $26 USD Shipping to America : $16 |
| U.S. Infantry Weapons of the First World War Bruce N. Canfield (New) This book gives you the inside scoop on everything that was carried into combat by the Army and Marines, including rifles, pistols, shotguns, automatic rifles, machine guns, bayonets, knives, grenades, mortars, flame throwers and accessories. It's all in here! Nowhere else will you find this amount of useful information under one cover - and it's complete with exciting combat reports documenting how this equipment performed at the front! Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn all about the weapons used by the Doughboys, fully illustrated with hundreds of large, clear photographs, tables, serial numbers and historical illustrations. 500+ photos/illustrations, 304 pp., 8.5" x 11". Hardcover |  | Price : $37 USD Shipping to America : $5 |
| U.S. Infantry Weapons of World War II Bruce N. Canfield (New) Improved Edition. The definitive study of the infantry weapons carried into combat by the Army and Marines and fired from the hand, shoulder or light support - rifles, carbines, edged weapons, shotguns, machine guns, mortars, bazookas, grenades, recoilless rifles, submachine guns, automatic rifles, flame throwers. Special "collectors notes" in each chapter! 303 pp., 417 photos, 8 1/2"x11". Hardcover |  | Price : $34 USD Shipping to America : $5 |
| World Swords 1400 -1945 - A price guide for collectors Withers, Harvey J S (New) Over 2000 full colour photographs. Current market values in USD and GBP. Includes pre-1750 swords. Historical background Foreword by Professor Richard Holmes. 300 pages laminated hardback |  | Price : $55 USD Shipping to America : $17 |
