Arms & Armor Books from Sweden

Jim McDougall · 10th March 2023, 05:41 PM

The Swedish Arms and Armor Society this year celebrates its centennial anniversary, as one of the oldest such societies in Europe.
I have proudly been a member since 2002, and one of the best features of membership has been the quarterly journal "Varia" (published by the Livrustkammeren in Stockholm) which though primarily in Swedish, always has thorough summaries in English with the material.

Many here are aware of the excellent work by Staffan Kinman, the director of the Society, "European Makers of Edged Weapons, Their Marks", 2015.
This comprehensive work has become the 'go to' reference to supercede the number of compendiums of blade markings long in place over many years.

He has produced two other books which are actually issues of the Society's annual yearbook, which like the journal, features concise summaries of the material discussed. The topics comprehensively cover not only Swedish arms and armor but of arms in general scope, much as in the journal "Varia".

The first,
"Edged Weapons in Sweden", Staffan Kinman, 2014 @ 250 SEK + postage
This is not only on swords but includes other arms and armor 16th-17th c. and while most of the arms are of course Swedish, the remarkably photographed items (including helmets, armor etc) the distinct relativity to other European arms is readily seen. This is a heavy well printed hardbound book of 328 pages. In my view, a great reference overall giving important perspective in the study of European edged weapons.

Next:
"Furbishers in Sweden", Staffan Kinman, 2016 @ 200 SEK + postage
While this book gives remarkable detail on guilds and makers in Sweden, there is also interesting detail on Passau, the running wolf etc. as well as guilds in general.

These are available from staffan.kinman@telia.com

10th March 2023, 05:41 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,946	Arms & Armor Books from Sweden The Swedish Arms and Armor Society this year celebrates its centennial anniversary, as one of the oldest such societies in Europe. I have proudly been a member since 2002, and one of the best features of membership has been the quarterly journal "Varia" (published by the Livrustkammeren in Stockholm) which though primarily in Swedish, always has thorough summaries in English with the material. Many here are aware of the excellent work by Staffan Kinman, the director of the Society, "European Makers of Edged Weapons, Their Marks", 2015. This comprehensive work has become the 'go to' reference to supercede the number of compendiums of blade markings long in place over many years. He has produced two other books which are actually issues of the Society's annual yearbook, which like the journal, features concise summaries of the material discussed. The topics comprehensively cover not only Swedish arms and armor but of arms in general scope, much as in the journal "Varia". The first, "Edged Weapons in Sweden", Staffan Kinman, 2014 @ 250 SEK + postage This is not only on swords but includes other arms and armor 16th-17th c. and while most of the arms are of course Swedish, the remarkably photographed items (including helmets, armor etc) the distinct relativity to other European arms is readily seen. This is a heavy well printed hardbound book of 328 pages. In my view, a great reference overall giving important perspective in the study of European edged weapons. Next: "Furbishers in Sweden", Staffan Kinman, 2016 @ 200 SEK + postage While this book gives remarkable detail on guilds and makers in Sweden, there is also interesting detail on Passau, the running wolf etc. as well as guilds in general. These are available from staffan.kinman@telia.com