I am studying the history of firearms. I need help.

Philip · 18th September 2020, 06:47 AM

Recently picked up an excellent German publication on Jäger rifles and can recommend it most highly:

Erhard Wolf, Steinschloss-Jägerbüchsen: Kunstwerke der Büchsenmacher aus dem 18. Jahrhundert (flintlock hunting rifles: masterpieces of the gunmaker in the 18th cent.), DWJ Publishing 2006. Massive slipcased volume with companion spiralbound English translation volume.

Not only are exceptional specimens of these fine sporting weapons presented, but the chapters covering the gunsmith's craft (including lock-making, and forging of damascus barrels) are invaluable, along with documentation of the business of gunmaking in 18th cent. Germany, and the rules for various types of shooting competitions along with illustrations of targets and actual matches.

The author is indebted to two previous writers on flintlock arms , which I also recommend that you obtain:

Hayward, John F., The Art of the Gunmaker, various volumes, 1968-69

Lenk, Torsten, The Flintlock: Its Origin and Development, English version ed by John F. Hayward, 1965 (translated from Swedish original of 1939). Profusely photo-illustrated, scholarly text by a Director of the Royal Swedish Armory.

Philip · 18th September 2020, 06:59 AM

Álvaro Soler del Campo, Catálogo de arcabucería madrileña (1687-1833) (catalog of Madrid gunmaking), an exhibition of works of the Spanish royal gunmakers in the collection of the Royal Armory of Madrid.

Large format volume, Spanish text, all-color photo-illustrated of rare deluxe firearms produced for the Spanish royals, including some rare breech-loading flintlock sporting guns. With bio info on the royal smiths with their marks. A one-of-a-kind publication on the subject.

Philip · 18th September 2020, 07:08 AM

The late Mr Held, an expat American scholar who resided in Italy, wrote two remarkable anthologies containing articles on a variety of arms by a number of European and British authors, the former all translated into English. Too many articles to list, but the books are:

Arms and Armor Annual Vol I (the only volume!) 1973

Art, Arms, and Armour: An international anthology Vol I, 1979 -- intended as a much more ambitious replacement (twice as large too) for the above. This book has a number of articles on important Italian firearms by a number of experts such as Marco Morin, Nolfo di Carpegna, etc. all in English translations by the editor.

PhDBrewer · 27th August 2023, 01:57 AM

Erhard Wolf's new book is titled:
Jagd-Feuerwaffen, Kunstwerke der Büchsenmacher aus dem 17. bis 19. Jahrhundert.

Hunting Firearms, Artworks of the gunsmiths from the 17th to the 19th century

It covers matchlocks, wheel-locks, & flintlocks. Great study of "Functional Art. High quality illustrated book with over 750 color illustrations, paintings and engravings.

https://jaegerbuechsen.com/

18th September 2020, 06:47 AM	#1
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	German flintlock rifles , plus other reference "classics" Recently picked up an excellent German publication on Jäger rifles and can recommend it most highly: Erhard Wolf, Steinschloss-Jägerbüchsen: Kunstwerke der Büchsenmacher aus dem 18. Jahrhundert (flintlock hunting rifles: masterpieces of the gunmaker in the 18th cent.), DWJ Publishing 2006. Massive slipcased volume with companion spiralbound English translation volume. Not only are exceptional specimens of these fine sporting weapons presented, but the chapters covering the gunsmith's craft (including lock-making, and forging of damascus barrels) are invaluable, along with documentation of the business of gunmaking in 18th cent. Germany, and the rules for various types of shooting competitions along with illustrations of targets and actual matches. The author is indebted to two previous writers on flintlock arms , which I also recommend that you obtain: Hayward, John F., The Art of the Gunmaker, various volumes, 1968-69 Lenk, Torsten, The Flintlock: Its Origin and Development, English version ed by John F. Hayward, 1965 (translated from Swedish original of 1939). Profusely photo-illustrated, scholarly text by a Director of the Royal Swedish Armory. Last edited by Philip; 18th September 2020 at 07:10 AM.

18th September 2020, 06:59 AM	#2
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	More Spanish Álvaro Soler del Campo, Catálogo de arcabucería madrileña (1687-1833) (catalog of Madrid gunmaking), an exhibition of works of the Spanish royal gunmakers in the collection of the Royal Armory of Madrid. Large format volume, Spanish text, all-color photo-illustrated of rare deluxe firearms produced for the Spanish royals, including some rare breech-loading flintlock sporting guns. With bio info on the royal smiths with their marks. A one-of-a-kind publication on the subject.

18th September 2020, 07:08 AM	#3
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	Robert Held anthologies The late Mr Held, an expat American scholar who resided in Italy, wrote two remarkable anthologies containing articles on a variety of arms by a number of European and British authors, the former all translated into English. Too many articles to list, but the books are: Arms and Armor Annual Vol I (the only volume!) 1973 Art, Arms, and Armour: An international anthology Vol I, 1979 -- intended as a much more ambitious replacement (twice as large too) for the above. This book has a number of articles on important Italian firearms by a number of experts such as Marco Morin, Nolfo di Carpegna, etc. all in English translations by the editor.

27th August 2023, 01:57 AM	#4
PhDBrewer Member Join Date: Apr 2023 Posts: 5	Erhard Wolf has a second book out. Erhard Wolf's new book is titled: Jagd-Feuerwaffen, Kunstwerke der Büchsenmacher aus dem 17. bis 19. Jahrhundert. Hunting Firearms, Artworks of the gunsmiths from the 17th to the 19th century It covers matchlocks, wheel-locks, & flintlocks. Great study of "Functional Art. High quality illustrated book with over 750 color illustrations, paintings and engravings. https://jaegerbuechsen.com/