1 comments about Machine Guns: 14th Century to Present.

1. I read this excellent book, here in Brazil.This book is complete, correct and has many photos.The photos are in majority black and white, but there's about fifteen pages, only with colored photos in this book.After the preface, there's eight chapters in this amazing book.The last chapter is about the automatic cannon, used in aircraft and armoured vehicles such as the american Bradley tank.The chapter seven is about the machine guns during the Cold War.After the last chapter, follows six appendixes, a glossary and then the index.In each chapter, there's technical reports about the most importants machine guns ever produced:Madsen, Lewis, BAR,Bren,MG-34, MG-42,DShK 38, M60, PK, FN-MAG,etc.On page 197, there's some informations about a brazilian machine gun that never entered in serial production, the Uirapuru.About machine guns, this book is a masterpiece.Don't forget that machine guns are one thing,while submachine guns are another thing.This book has nothing about Sten gun or Uzi, that are both submachine guns.This book is about machine guns.Today is 29th february.Only in every four years, that a book so good, about machine guns can be writen.The author isn't alive today, but he made a masterpiece about machine guns.

No comments about Warman's Civil War Weapons.

3 comments about The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan, 1933-1945.

1. Books on Japanese swords are by their nature scarce and expensive. Many of them are out of date, or of supeficial scholarship. And many of the best ones are in Japanese, which makes it difficult for the English speaking collector/ enthusiast to use. But this book is an essential reference
   in this field of interest.
   
   Most books of Japanese swords cover the old historic swords. But since there are only so many of these surviving, a new market in swords made after the age of the Samurai have become popular. Hence the interest in swords made in modern times, but in the traditional manner.
   
   This book originally appeared in Japanese in 1998, and was translated in 2004. It covers the efforts in the 1980s to commemorate the traditional
   Japanese sword smithy and manufacturing unit that existed at Yasukuni
   shrine from 1933 to 1945. Yasukuni shrine was founded in the late 19th century in Tokyo to commemorate the spirits of Japanese war dead.
   A number of these smiths were located, and some made swords which
   were part of special exhibition. Eventually a special presentation sword was made by a group of these artisans, and given to the shrine marking the 50th anniversary.
   
   Most of the production of these swords were given as presentation pieces
   to graduates of the Army and Naval officer schools. Also a number were ordered by the Imperial household. All of the swords made at Yasukuni
   were of the highest quality, and rigid quality control was enforced.
   
   The book is full of wonderful details about the smiths and artisans working in Yasukuni, the establishment and history of the unit, and its demise at the end of WW II. There are numerous pictures of these swords, their inscriptions, production notes, even the layout of the sword
   shop. There are also the basics about Japanese sword making and the
   traditional forge and tools involved. For a slim volume like this, there is
   an amazing amount of information and research packed into it. In all
   approximately 8100 swords were made at Yasukuni from 1933 to 1945.
   
   This is an excellent book and essential addition to anyone with an interest in Japanese swords, Japanese history, arms & armour, or WW II in the Pacific theatre.



2. Few things carry the taint of Imperialism like Yasukuni Shrine. Dedicated to war dead, the shrine became a symbol for the Emperor cult of WWII Axis Japan, with Class A war criminals such as General Tojo being honored there. In modern Japan, it is a last remaining relic, after State Shinto was banned by the US occupation forces, and even today an official visit by a government official creates an uproar in the Asian nations abused by the Japanese army.
   
   With this in mind, a book titled "The Yasukuni Swords" carries the same aura as a book titled "The Auschwitz Bayonets" or "The Mai Lai Guns." Even amongst Nihonto enthusiasts, WWII era swords were known for their inferior quality and mass production, handed off to soldiers before being sent off to slaughter. But this book, "The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan 1933-1945" is not about ignominious history or garbage blades. It is about the preservation of an ancient art, rescued from oblivion. In this case, it is the end, not the means that matter.
   
   By the time of the inauguration of the Yasukuni Forge, in 1933, there were less than 10 swordsmiths in remaining in Japan. The sword-banning act of the Meiji Restoration had almost caused the extinction of perhaps the most refined tradition of swordcraft the world has ever known. Even of the 10, only one, Gassan Sadakatsu, was able to make blades of ancient quality. The military government in power, attempting to foster their aggression with the resurrection of the samurai spirit, gathered the remaining swordsmiths at Yasukuni Shrine, and established the forge. This is their story.
   
   Their story is fascinating indeed, as is the tale of the slow and painful resurrection of the swordsmithing art. Not only the smiths themselves, but all the accompanying crafts needed revival. The unique ore needed was in short supply, and the oral tradition of its processing was in the minds of 80-year old men. The blade polishers and the hilt wrappers all needed to be sought out and new craftsmen trained. Specific to the Yasukuni Forge, only traditional hand-craft was used, forging blades for officers and high-ranking Imperials, rather than the machine-forged blades of the common soldier during the war.
   
   In the end, up to 200 new swordsmiths were raised from the fires of the Yasukuni Forge, ensuring the survival of Japanese swordcraft for future generations.
   
   In addition to this fascinating history, "The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan 1933-1945" catalogs the blades of that era, showing the distinct markings and techniques and rediscovery of the art. There are articles on the Yasukuni Forge from the 1940s, as well as modern essays on the blades. Photographs bring the whole history to life, and this is one of the most fascinating books I have read for some time.



3. The Japanese sword occupied a position in their military culture not unlike that of the engraved pistols in American culture. One important class of Japanese swords are the 8,100 swords produced on the grounds of the Yasukuni Shrine between 1933 and 1945. The group of swordsmiths collected there preserved the time-honored forging methods and the aesthetic and apiritual traditions of the samurai warrior.
   
   In the aftermath of World War II sword ownership was banned in Japan and many of these swords were destroyed. Others became war booty and were removed to the victors countries.
   
   After the manufacturing of swords was allowed in 1954 many of the smiths began making swords again, but independently.
   
   This book is both a collection of photographs of Yasukuni swords and a story of the swordsmiths and the institution. It is a book that speaks of these historic swords with reverence.

No comments about COLLECTING THE CONFEDERACY: Artifacts and Antiques from the War Between the States.

1 comments about United States Army Scrapbook (Military Scrapbook Series).

1. Excellent book. Can be used for a scrapbook or a photo album.

2 comments about United States Navy Scrapbook (Military Scrapbook Series).

1. I just want to say the Navy scrap book, was a great purchase and it had more in it then the ones you purchase from a store and the price was way cheaper then the store also. keep up the good work amazon.com.
   This was not my first purchase from amazon.com, I go to amazon.com first before e-bay or any other shops and I find that amazon.com is where I end up purchasing my items from.
   Thank You
   Carol



2. I bought this scrapbook, elsewhere and paid more, but it's fantastic! I designed this gift to give to my husband for his last birthday. I contacted an old ship-mate (USS GRANT) and received photos, anecdotes, etc. to place in the album. It came out great and the album just helped to enhance the whole "picture!"
   I highly recommend this album for your Navy scrapbooking. There are so many stickers and embellishments out now, it's so easy to commemorate those Navy experiences!

5 comments about A Collector's Guide to Third Reich Militaria.

1. This is a great book for the novice Third Reich collector. It covers all sorts of items with detailed information. Easy to read and has lots of pictures of the items. The pictures are in black and white and would be better in colour. Great book for beginners.



2. I suppose as a very general overview it might be useful. Third Reich Militaria is a very vast field. A detailed handbook would probably be more like the Oxford English Dictionary than a 'handbook.' Still, much of the information about values seems somewhat outdated based on my research. I guess overall it's not a bad book, just FAR too small to be very useful to a collecter. You will definately need other material to supplement this book, no question.



3. An absolutely essential book for collector of Third Reich militaria, and the fakes that abound from the internet auction houses. Don't waste your money on out of date publications, this is the one to own.



4. This book is a great introduction to the great hobby of collecting German Militaria. It discusses a wide variety of items giving brief insight on each. It even goes into some detail on reproduction items and how to spot them. Once you decide what area you want to specialize in there are many books out there. But take it from me, this is the one to start you off.



5. Although its getting a bit dated(for pricing, I only wish we could by at these prices) Lumsden is truly an expert, he includes alot of good info on ferreting out fakes. An overall great reference, its small size makes it great for taking along to shows & flea markets, etc.

1 comments about The M-1 Helmet: A History of the U.S. M-1 Helmet in World War II.

1. Reynosa has laid out an excellent book. Heavily researched and documented. Photos include manufacturing, in use combat photos and detail close-ups. A must for the collector this book has most everything except a quick reference guide to take with you to gun shows and auctions.

3 comments about Knives 2006.

1. I have every edition of the "KNIVES" annuals since the first one came out in 1980. As a knifemaker and collector I like to keep up with the state-of-the art knives that these amazing makers present in this book. The photos are plentiful and the paper quality of these softcover books has greatly improved since editor Joe Kertzman has taken over the helm. If you like knives in all their glory, then all of these books are highly recommended. The only reason that I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that I feel that Mr. Kertzman gets a little "ornate" in some of his descriptions. Let the knives speak for themselves, Joe. Hee hee.



2. Not the book I wanted. I wanted a book listing Case and Buck knives values. My mistake.



3. I decided to buy this book basing on the pictures of the knives inside. Once received, the pictures are worth more than the price I have paid for. Details with each knife is the extra bonus to the owner. Very good especially for custom knife collectors, and myself as a trader on ebay's -unclevit- listing store. I will buy more from this writer, perhaps every year. Recommend. Good Value.

1 comments about Illustrated Catalog of Civil War Military Goods: Union Weapons, Insignia, Uniform Accessories and Other Equipment.

1. I am a collector of Civil War relics and this book is a must have.