Colonel H.C.B. Rogers, Weapons of the British Soldier, Ed. Seeley Service & Co., 1968

T

his is the story of the weapons used by the British soldier throughout the ages, and the many developments in personal arms during the course of history, and the reasons which influenced their design. It starts at the Battle of Hastings in which the seeds of the British army were sown, and it ends with the short magazine Lee-Enfield rifle which served the British Army through half a century and two world wars.

It is interesting to learn that in the days of chivalry the weapons of the aspirant to the order of Knighthood were placed at the altar and were never to be used save in defence of honour, virtue and justice. The hilt of his sword was the emblem of Christianity, and to this day the pressure of his lips on the Cross is commemorated in the officer’s salute.

It is facts such as these which help to explain the fascination which hand weapons have for so many. From military arms have descended their counterparts in the chase, in sporting combat and on the range. These too form an interesting study, both in the multiplicity of their design and types, far exceeding the recognised weapons of war.

The craftsmanship shown in the manufacture of these weapons, of which many fine examples are illustrated in this volume, will appeal to both the connoisseur and the collector, besides the fascinating story of how they came into use.

Edizione appartenente alla Collana “The Imperial Services Library” (Volume V), a copertina rigida in tela rossa, con titoli in oro su inserto nero al dorso; dotata di sovracoperta lucida illustrata a colori; stampata in lingua inglese su carta di buona qualità e con buone marginature alle pagine; corredata da numerosi disegni e fotografie in B/N f.t. su carta semi-lucida (ed una a colori in antiporta); costa superiore verniciata in rosso.

Difficile da reperire sul mercato italiano.

Ottimo [strutturalmente parlando, non si notano danni, scritte, segni, strappi o usure particolari che vadano evidenziate; legatura ancora compatta e resistente; bordi e spigoli delle copertine netti e non abrasi, ma alcune consunzioni marginali non gravi alla tela dei piatti; ingiallimento della carta molto ridotto; sovracoperte complete ma con evidenti consunzioni superficiali ai margini e al dorso, e rinforzi interni a nastro adesivo trasparente]