British Military Swords, Volume I: 1600 to 1660 The English Civil Wars and the Birth of the British Standing Army

AN IDENTIFICATION GUIDE AND HISTORICAL STUDY Early British military swords have always interested collectors and historians, but over the years surprisingly little research has been done about these distinctive weapons and the men who supplied them. This remarkable new book approaches this topic from both a scholarly and a practical point of view, carefully documenting the manufacture, distribution and combat service of these blades, while at the same time pointing out the issues that must be understood by anyone considering their purchase today. A full-color collector's guide and historical study of British military swords from 1600 through 1660. This period was dominated by the English Civil Wars, and most of this book is dedicated to the weapons of those conflicts. Introduction chapters discuss manufacturing techniques, the cutlers who sold these swords and how they were used by soldiers in the field. Later sections treat the various sword styles in great detail with large photos of all their features, including Rapiers, Mortuary Swords, Hangers, Cutlasses and much more. Over a thousand clear, color photographs make this one of the most useful and attractive sword books ever published. 11 inches x 8.5 inches. Over 1,000 illustrations. Coated paper.