Books on Fortification

Books on Fortification

Military Architecture or the Art of Fortifying Towns

By Andrew Taquett .

Part of the works “ Military & Maritime Discipline 1672” With 68pp A4 size, 43 Illustrations of various fortress construction and other mathematical drawings. Tables of angles & other data. Produced with special period paper, Spanish marbled endpapers, period binding and spine blocking.

ISBN No. 978 -1-906394-29-5. Cost £55. weight 750gms

The Attack and Defence of Fortified Places.

by John Muller 1757 2 nd Edition

Vol. 6 of a series of 6 Vol’s of Mullers system of mathematical, gunnery, fortification & artillery etc.

With 247pp A4 size, 25 large A3 size pull out plates of copper plate drawings. Produced on special period paper, special spine raised bands effect binding.

All to match the previous Vol’s already published.

ISBN No. 978-1-906394-30-1. Price £55. weight 1.24Kg

A Treatise of Fortification 1 st Edition 1746 by John Muller

An essential book in the any collection ,this classic was among other titles written by this author who served as a lecturer at the Royal Military Academy . He covered the regular fortifications constructed by the methods used by Vauban , Coehorne , Belidor , Blondel , & Count Pagan. Explaining how the various elements are constructed and built with detailed plans and drawings. It has 232ppn A4 size, 4 A4 & 29 A3 size pages of scale plans of fortifications and plans. Bound in a period red coloured binding and special paper to give a “period” effect. Cost £ 55. 1240gms . ( Example of this book shown in photograph)

TREATISE on FORTIFICATION and ARTILLERY.

Vol.I (Fortification) Sixth Edition 1852 By Hector Straith

This book covers Technical terms, Vauban’s 1 st System, ditches, parapets, garbions , fascines, construction of batteries, platforms, sapping & mining, tools required, bastion system, crownworks , revetments, casemates, attack of fortresses, fieldworks. Then three great classes of tracings using work of Castriotto , Errard , Marchi , De Ville, Pagan, Vauban , Coehorn , Dufour , Bousmard , and Chasseloup ..

The book starts from Chapter I and goes to XVIII, being xxxi ,346 +66pp A4 size pages, with 3 A4 & 19 A3 size pages of 98 detailed drawings of scale plans/maps of systems & methods of Fortification. ISBN No. 978-1-906394-24-0.

Produced A4 size with special binding of dark red, with gold leaf lettering & design on cover. Cost £55 +£ 8 P & P( UK ) 1.65Kg.(see photograph)

A Essay on a Proposed New System of Fortification (1849)

by James Fergusson, With Hints for its application to our National Defence.

A book which covers the thinking for design & construction for revetements , casemates, covered way, powder magazines, flanking defence, ammunition, garrison, towers, entrenched camps, fortification of London and outposts. It has xxii ,165pp A4 size, 10 A3 & A4 detailed plates showing various fortifications & their construction. Bound in red cloth with dark blue label on spine. Cost £ 25. 1300gms. (Example of this book shown in photograph)

Fortification (1851) by Lt. Henry Yule.

For Officers of the Army and Students of Military History

To quote the Author “this book is to give principles and essential details in a nature and readable order, freely to use biographical and other illustrative notes with a view of giving something of life-like interest to study which too often vaguely regarded by soldiers as a compound of strange angular diagrams and technical jargon”. With chapters on general rules, obstacles, materials, calculations for construction, defence of posts, mode of attack, defence of a fortress. With an appendix of notes from A-Z, Glossary of Military Terms, 16 portraits of those connected with the art, viii plates A3 size containing 120 illustrations to back up the details in the text. Book has xxii, 210pp A4 size. Bound with red cloth, dark blue label on spine, gold leaf lettering to spine, royal arms badge on cover. Cost £ 50. 1010gms.

A Treatise on Field Fortifications (1855) By J.S.Macaulay . Third Edition.

The Author originally submitted this book to be published in 1831. After a further edition 1847 this improved edition was published. A wide range of subjects are covered in this work including : detached works, various types of fortifications, outline of field works, various types of revetment’s, obstacles, interior, irregular sites, defence of rivers & watercourses, Military Posts, defence & attack of military posts & field works, Military Mining, Attack of Fortresses.

It has xii + 312pp,bound at the back of the text is a set of 12 plates (originally sold separate) of which include161 illustrations, and 4 plates of plans/maps. A4 size . Hand bound in dark red cloth, dark blue label to spine with gold leaf lettering & badge. Price £ 50 + £ 5.00 postage ( UK )

An Introductory Essay to the Study of Fortifications (1857)

by Hector Straith .

A detailed selection of information on the history & background of fortification, its construction and use, old fortifications, various parts of a fortress, drawings plans. The book is divided into three parts: Principles of Permanent Fortifications, Field Fortifications, The Attack of a Fortress. It has xvi, 262pp A5 size. Hand bound in red cloth with gold leaf lettering & royal cost of arms on cover. Cost £ 25. 510gms.

Observations on Modern Systems of Fortifications (1859)

by Gen. Sir Douglas Bart

Including that proposed by M.Carnot and a comparison of the polygon with the bastion system.

Originally published in 1819, this extended & enlarged edition gives the principles of M.Carnot having been extensively adopted by Prussian and Austrian engineers in re-modelling the fortresses of their country and in constructing new ones. Modern German or Polygonal Systems of Fortification, Intrenched camps, a tract on the Naval, littoral and internal defence of England . He gives a detailed commentary with technical information and explains how the defence of various locations in the UK can be improved. It has xii, 284pp A4 size, 12 plates with upto 5 ill per page, 4 facsimiles of letters to the Duke of Wellington & General Jones. Bound in red cloth with dark blue label on spine with gold leaf lettering & royal coat of arms on cover. Cost £ 50 1140gms

Elementary Principles of FORTIFICATION By John. T.Hyde . Pub. 1860.

With the introduction of new firepower from Armstrong and other manufactures this book details of each section of the parts of fortifications and their development in history so far.

With Guns(Howitzers, Mortars, Armstrong Gun, round, grape, spherical shot), Fortifications, construction, Vauban , ditches, redan , counterguards, modern system, Dufour’s improvements, the attack, the defence, field positions, field works, mining, polygonal systems, Prussian systems, Fort Alexandar , Coblenz , casemates, powder magazines, revetment, Glossary of Technical Terms. It has iv + 235pp, A4 size, 200 illustrations /Diagrams. Hand bound in dark red cloth, with gold leaf lettering to spine & badge on front cover. Price £ 37.00 + £ 5.00 postage ( UK ) 1Kg . (Example of this book shown in photograph section)

Field Works (1888) by Col. C.B.Brackenbury R.A.

Their technical construction and tactical application. This is a treatises on the fortifications of localities and positions in the field and the best methods of attacking and defending them, with diagrams showing these events. Details of obstacles , accessories, defence & attack of woods, farms, villages, homes, with examples of the war of 1866, 1870-71. Originally published as two volumes, this edition text & plates on one. It has xxii, 360pp & 16pp , 40 pages of B & W illustrations. A5 size. Bound in red cloth & gold leaf lettering & royal badge to cover. Cost £ 37.50 780gms . (Example of this book shown in photograph)

AIDE- MEMOIRE for the USE of OFFICERS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS Compiled by Colonel A.C.Cooke C.B.,R.E.

In 2 Vols :

Vol 1 Formulae ,Tables,Military Satatistics & Memoranda,

Vol 2 Permanent Engineering Works.

Published in 1876, this pair of books provided the Royal Engineers Officer with all the information & data needed to be a Military Engineer. Information on Artillery, fortifications, barracks, powder magazines, hydraulic, railway, surveys, transport, bridges, with data & formule .

Vol 1 has 394pp 222 illustrations, Vol. 2 has 482pp 280 illustrations .

Bound to match in red Buckram material with gold leaf lettering, & Royal Arms badge on cover. Price £ 95.00 for bothVol’s . WeightVol 1. 1.37Kg Vol 2. 1.60Kg

Textbook of Fortification and Military Engineering Pt.II 1886

The second part of this title used by Officers at the Royal Academy , Woolwich, In depth text with well detailed plans & illustrations cover: attack & defence of fortresses, execution of field and siege works, military mining, coast defence, historical development of permanent fortification, military bridges. It has viii, 258pp A4 size, 4 A3 fold out plans and 70 A4 size pages of scale plans and detailed illustrations with measurements. Bound in red cloth, dark blue label on spine with gold leaf lettering & royal badge on cover. Cost £ 50. 1350gms.

Land and Coast Fortifications (1894) by Major E.R.Kenyon R.E.

This publication is the enlarged & revised notes published in Professional Papers in 1893. The Author brings together the general principles governing the design of Land and Coast Fortifications, principal data and armament and works and what to be considered when preparing a general design. With coastal defence arrangements, types of coast batteries and gun mountings, design of coast batteries . The illustrations of gun and gun mountings are by Lt. Col. J.W.Savage R.E. and were published in 1890. It has viii, 106pp ,A4 size, it has 44 illustrations of Artillery & gun mountings, 18 of coast fortifications & their buildings. Bound in red cloth, dark blue label on spine with gold leaf lettering & royal badge on cover.

Cost £ 50. 1200gms.

Textbook of Fortifications (1899) by Col. G.P.Philips R.E.

A Handbook for the Victorian Military Engineer it gives information on every possible subject :explosives , small arms, fieldworks, bridges, road making, railways, stockades etc. It gives all details of skills, time taken & equipment needed to undertake these tasks. Produced In A5 size, 294pp, 16 full page plates & layouts and 486 detailed drawings in the text. Bound in red cloth with gold leaf lettering to spine & royal arms badge to front cover.

Cost £25. 620gms.

FIELD FORTIFICATION. Notes on the TEXT-BOOKS,

Specially designed and arranged for use of Officers preparing for Promotion Examinations . By Colonel H.D.Hutchinson .

Published in 1897, this forth edition has been up-dated with the various changes in armaments and conditions. It has 17 chapters : Artillery, projectiles,penetration , Field Defences, improved field defences, obstacles, revetments, field-works, garrisons, trace of field-works, lines of works, Defence of villages, houses,woods , military bridging, hasty demolitions, camping arrangements.

Produced A5 size, x, 142, and 36pages of advertisements at the back. With

34 plates containing over 200 illustrations, Bound in red Buckram material with gold leaf lettering, & Royal Arms badge to cover. Price £25. 490gms.

Permanent Fortifications for English Engineers 2 nd Edition .

by Major J.F.Lewis R.E.

A classic book on the subject of Fortifications of the late Victorian period. Since its first issue many improvements and advancements have meant that a revised content has been necessary to keep the Engineering Officer upto date. This is a very much improved version from the 1 st Edition. Due to the growth and improvement in the defences of the Empire it was very likely that most Engineering Officers would during their service be posted to one of these Fortifications in the UK or Overseas. So this book was an important part of their library. It includes: Mounting of guns, gates, caponiers , drawbridges, accommodation, magazines, fences, gates, shell filling rooms ,. Various weapons : Light & Med. Guns, mortars, Q.F. Guns, machine guns, mines, rifles, coastal defence. Produced A4 size, 324pp, 43 A3 foldout plans & drawings. Bound in red cloth, dark blue label on spine with gold leaf lettering & royal badge on cover. Cost £ 50. 1600gms

Fortification (1907 ) 2 nd Edition ,by Sir George Sydenham Clarke.

Its past achievements, recent development and future. The author traces the development of fortifications from the time of Marlborough , Waterloo , Crimean War, Russo-Turkish, Franco-German , South Africa Wars. Covering subjects as introduction of Rifled Arms in A.C.W., Magazine rifle, Q.F. & Machine Guns. Fortifications & works in 1850’s, coast defence, battleships & cruisers, submarines, mines, electric lights. With 9 appendices. A4 size, xix, 312pp 57 illustrations & 3 diagrams. Bound in red cloth, dark blue label on spine with gold leaf lettering & royal badge on cover. Cost £ 50. 1200gms.

Field Entrenchments (1915)

Based on twenty years practical study from South Africa War and battlefields of Manchuria , the author describes the subjects of : hasty fire cover, deliberate entrenchments, shelters, and cover trenches, concealment, communication, obstruction. With an appendix of information gathered so far from the war in France . A5 size, xiv, 228pp, 87 detailed illustrations & plans. Bound in red cloth with gold leaf lettering on spine & royal arms badge on cover. Cost £21. 510gms.

Military Engineering During the Great Civil War

1642- 49 By Lt.Col . W.R.Ross .

With 6 sections of: Introduction, General remarks on Military Engineering, Systems of Fortifications approved of in England, Organization and Establishments of the Engineering Department, Ordnance and Projectiles in use, Duties and Employment in Field and Fortress, and an Appendix with account of fortifications of London, surrender of Bristol, Siege of Basing House, and Colchester.

24.5 x 16cm siz , 122pp, with 15 fold out plates showing siege details, layout drawings of Hull, Portsmouth, Reading, Bristol, London, Oxford, Plymouth, Liverpool, Newark, Worcester, Donnington Castle, Basing, Colchester, & Tilbury.

Bound in period binding, gold leaf lettering to spine Cost £23. 500 gm.

Vauban , Montalembert , Carnot : Engineering Studies. By E.M. Lloyd. Pub. 1887.

A book made up from the essays which appeared in the Royal Engineers Journal and the United Services Magazine . Now produced as one publication to illustrate the successive stages in the history of Fortifications and Fortress Warfare.

With five chapters : Introduction, Vauban , Montalembert , Carnot , Modern Forts.

After a 60 page introduction, each of the three Military Fortification Engineers are discussed in great detail each with a portrait . The final chapter giving details of the modern fortifications & their development. It has vi + 239pp, A5 size, with three portraits.

Hand bound in red cloth, with gold leaf lettering to spine & royal arms badge on cover.

Price £ 21.00 + £ 5.00 postage ( UK ) 490gms .

VAUBAN BUILDER of FORTRESSE By DAVID HALEVY

Vauban fortified every frontier town in France , this his story of his life and times. With chapters on : Ancestry and first steps, The Great Years, The height of Glory, France against Europe, The Last Peace, The Last War, Notes. This edition is produced A5 size hand bound in red buckram material with gold leaf lettering to spine. Of 256pp with portrait .

Price £ 21.00. 600gms.

‘Servant to the King for his Fortifications’

Paul Ive & ‘The Practise of Fortification 1589’

By Charles Stephenson, Editor Charles Blackwood.

Paul Ive was one of the most important figures in English Military Engineering history. Writing the first published work on military engineering “ The Practise of Fortification’ published in 1589.

Author Charles Stephenson has split his book into two sections, Part 1 a short essay on Ive where he attempts to set him and his work in context to give an account of his life & work of the mid 1580’s to 1604. The second part is a modern English language version of Ive’s book giving a more comprehensible rendering of the Elizabethan writing & gothic typeface of the original document.

This first special publication by F.S.G. members who are both author & editor, with viii+153pp A5 size with 20 colour photographs/illustrations/maps. Hand bound in red buckram cloth with gold leaf lettering & FSG badge on front cover.

Price £21.00+ £3 P & P ( UK ) 500gms.

Military Architecture of the Middle Ages Translated from the French of E.Viollet-Le-Duc . With the Original French Engravings

By M.Macdermott , Architect.

This second edition pub. 1879 with an introduction by John Henry Parke . The original first edition was translated and published in 1860.

The author covers in great details the development of Military Architecture from the Roman period through the “Norman style”, and to the advancements of the 12 th & 13 th century. Each improvement in style & change in Fortifications is covered , the alteration of defence with the introduction of Artillery, Cannons of the 15 th Century, with modifications of Towers & Castles, use of Ramparts, Trenches, Cavalier, Ravelins , Mines & Countermines, Castles at the end of the 15 th Cent., Bastions according to De Ville, System of Vauban .

There are over 40 different locations of fortifications studied.

This edition A4 size, xvi, 274pp , with 151 detailed drawings of which many are “birds eye” views. Bound in period binding, spine blocking and special period badge on cover in gold leaf .Cost £45. weight 1.03 Kg

ARCHITECTURE of AGGRESSION By Keith Mallory & Arvid Ottar .

A History of Military Architecture in North West Europe 1900-1945

In order to fill the gap in the post 1900 period of Fortification, Buildings etc. this publication brings the story of defence & fortifications almost up to date. Originally published in 1973 it still remains the finest book of its generation on the subject.

With 308pp A4 landscape with over 300 B & W photos/illustrations/plans.

In four parts: 1. 1900-18, 1914 Fortress Zone, Defence in Depth, Wider scope of Defence Construction, Support structures. Pt. 2 1918-40, Maginot Line, The Autobahn and West Wall , . Pt. 3 1940-45 Fortress Britain , Atlantic Wall, The Armed Camp, Birth of Mulberry Harbour & the Fall of Atlantic Wall, The Shelter Controversy, German Bomb-Proof Mania.

Pt. 4 Context. Bound in special black buckram cloth with red lettering on spine & red design on cover, this edition is limited to 200 Numbered copies only . Price £ 35.00. 1 Kg. (Example of this book shown in photograph section)

The Strongholds of India By Sidney Toy

The Military Architecture of India has very few modern books covering this subject. This makes this title even more important as the book is a result of the visits made by the author in the 1950 ‘s and illustrates by his B & W photographs drawings & maps the areas covered.

These include Gingee , Dindigul , Vellore , Fort George Madras, Bijapur , Daulatabad , Bidar , Ahmadnagar , Golconda ,Sinhagadh , Sanivara Palace Poona, Dabhoi , Ahmadabad , Chitor , Gwalior , Amber, Fatehpur Sikri , Agra , & 5 sites in Delhi .

It has xiv +136pp,116 B & W photos & 62 illustrations, diagrams & maps. A4 size . Hand bound in grey balacrome cloth with gold leaf lettering on the spine. Price £ 37 + £ 5.00 postage ( UK ) 820gms. (Example of this book shown in photograph section)

The Fortified Cities of India By Sidney Toy

The mediaeval fortresses of India are so numerous & difficult to access, in order to do justice to the subject the author produced this second book as this material was not possible to be include in his first book. He has also included material on various sites he had re-visited from the first book.

This book is a result of the visits made by the author in the late 1950 ‘s to 1960. He illustrates by his B & W photographs , drawings & maps the areas covered.

These include: Agra , Ahmadabad , Champanir , Daulatabad , Delhi , Gulbarga , Jaipur , Jodhpur , Lahore , Madura , Mandu , Panhala , Parenda , Purandhar , Raighur , Ranthambhor , Shivner , Sholapur , Tanjore , Taragarh , Vellore , Warangal .

It has xiv +118pp, 60 B & W photos & 55 illustrations, diagrams & maps. A4 size . Hand bound in grey cloth Price £ 37 + £ 5.00 postage ( UK ) 820gms. ( see photograph)

A History of Fortifications from 3000B.C. to A.D.1700 By Sidney Toy

The object of this work is to trace the development of the art of fortification generally from the period of the earliest historical examples down to the forts designed for defence by artillery. The developments in the subject are noted in order wherever they occur, described and illustrated to show these original features.

This book has over 160 different locations used to show this history from ancient fortress of Ur of the Chaldees to the artillery fort of Fort Fincastle in Bahams . It has xxiv +262pp, 100 B & W photos & 150 illustrations , diagrams & maps. A4 size . Hand bound in grey cloth

Price £ 37 + £ 5.00 postage ( UK ) 1200gms.

CASTLES ,A Short History of Fortification from 1600B.C. to A.D.1600 By Sidney Toy

The author traces the development of Fortifications through Mesopotamia , Asia minor , Greece , Rome , Byzantine fortifications from the 5 th to 10 th Cent. , Western Europe from 5 th to 11 th Cent., Byzantine & Saracenic Fortifications of the 10 th Cent., Rectangular & Transitional Keeps. Seige Engines & operations of the Middle Ages, Castles 1190 to 1270, Towns, Fortified Bridges , Towers, Gatehouses, and Defences. Development of the tower house, 16 th Cent. Forts.

It has xiv +242pp, 66 B & W photos & over 170 illustrations, diagrams & maps. A4 size . Hand bound in grey cloth . Price £ 37 + £ 5.00 postage ( UK ) 960gms.

ENGLISH COAST DEFENCES By George Clinch

This book represents the results of a study of the methods and means by which England , from the Roman times down to the early years of the nineteenth century, has defended her shores against various over-sea enemies who have attempted sometimes successfully to invade and conquer.

It covers: Prehistoric camps, Roman, Saxon ,Danish,Norman invasion, Mediaeval Castles & walled towns, Defences under Henry VIII, East Coasts of Kent , Sussex , Estuaries of Thames, Medway, South Coast . Defences, The Navy, The Cinque Ports , Defence Chains, The Coastguard.

With xii ,226pp and 45 photographs/drawings/maps. Produced A5 size , covered in red cloth. Cost £25. £5 post. 650gms (see photograph)

TREATISE on COAST DEFENCE

Based on the experienced gained by Officers of the Confederate States during the North American War from 1861 to 1865.

By Lt.Col . Von Scheliha , Confedrate Army .

This classic work covering the experience in Military Coast Defence of the Civil War has 22 chapters covering subjects of : progress made in Naval architecture and artillery and the modification needed to coast defence, types of fortification and their state to withstand modern artillery, protection of guns mounted ”en barbette”, various obstructions floating and fixed, torpedoes & mines, methods of lighting up channels.

With vi, 326pp, A4 size ,12 plates showing detailed drawings of equipment/maps, in addition to various drawings in the text. Hand bound in scarlet buckram cloth, gold leaf lettering to spine & special US badge on cover.

Cost £ 45.00 + Postage £7 ( UK ) weight 1.33Kg

Drill Book for the use of Sub-Marine Mining Engineer Volunteers (1883) by Capt. A.E.Black .

Although no a book on Fortifications(buildings) the Mine and its use in modern defence of a coastal defence installation became a very important requirement as the Naval quick attack craft was developed & improved. This Handbook being one of the very first published on the subject gave technical details needed for the Volunteer to arm & lay both Mechnical & Electric Mines. Including signalling( flag, morse , time code, lime light). Produced A54 size 96pp of 13 sections and 54 detailed plates. Bound in red cloth with gold leaf lettering & royal arms on cover. £21. 400gms.

Books on Equipment and Weapons

Army Equipment (1860’s)

Never during the history of the British Army has there been an illustrated representation of equipment used by all branches of the services and listing & illustrating examples of their dress, clothing, necessaries ,appointments,rank details,ammunition and all equipment used for all ranks. The “all ranks” is possibly the most important point as Officers has their written Dress Regulations of various dates , this is a collection of publications gives over a short period of the 1860’s a listing & description of the items which would be found being used by the Army of the day, from the way they looked, what tools they used, instruments used in hospitals etc. A true time capsual of documentation of the mid Victorian period. Each plate of illustrations has them either drawn to scale (with the scale on it) or each item has its own dimensions. With over 90% of items described not of “Officer” usage, this provides a unique source of detail for the collector, researcher, modeller, re-enactor etc to see what the post Crimean soldier used wore in his Army life. Each part is bound in matching in maroon buckram cloth with gold leaf lettering on spine & early pattern royal arms badge on cover. A4 size

Army Equipment 1865 Part I, Equipment of Cavalry Compilid

by Lt. H.M. Hozier .

This is the only detailed publication available on the early period of equipment of The Cavalry Regiments. The illustrations to accompany this part of the series were unfinished when this descriptive portion was finished so, the text was published and due to the number of changes in such a short period the illustrations were never issued.

This is the first part of this series(the last part to be published) and covers: Classification of Equipment, Historical Notes on Cavalry, Organization and Composition of Cavalry, British Cavalry, Cavalry Staff, Household Cavalry, Cavalry of the line, Cape Mounted Rifles, Clothing & Necessaries, Arms, Accoutrements, Saddlery , Harness & Stable Necessaries, Bands & Musical Instruments, Ammunition, Books, Forms, Hospital Equipment, Veterinary Equipment, Saddler’s and Saddletree Makers Equipment, Armourer’s Forge, Articles of Musketry Instruction, Camp Equipment, Transport by sea, Tonnage, Marks on Packages & Stores. Full details of all uniform, equipment etc. of Officers & OR’s.

With tables showing the size, weight & cost of the various equipment & items.With 288pp A4 size pages. Bound in maroon buckram, gold leaf lettering & royal coat of arms to cover.

Cost £ 30 + £5.00 Postage. 1030 gms

Army Equipment 1864 Part II, Equipment of Artillery. Compiled by Major Miller R.A. V.C.

The illustrations to accompany this part of the series were unfinished when this descriptive portion was finished so, the text was published and due to the Ordnance & Equipment used by the Artillery going through a number of changes in such a short period the illustrations were never issued.

This is the largest part of this series and covers: Organization of the Artillery, Personal Equipment, Horse Equipment, Materiel, lists of equipment for Field : 6pd, 9pd, 12pd, 20pd, 40pd Armstrong Guns, 6pd, 9pd, 12pd, 18pd, Smooth-bored guns 12pd 24pd, 32pd Howitzer, 12 & 6pd Rocket Carriages, various wagons & carts, List of Tools,

For Garrison Artillery, 110pd, 70pd, 40pd, 10-Inch, 8-Inch, Armstrong Guns, 68pd, 56pd, 42pd, 32pd, 24pd, 18pd, 12pd, 9 & 6pd Guns, 10-Inch, 8-Inch, 5- Inch Howitzers, Carronades, 13, 10 & 8-Inch Mortars,.

For The Siege Train, 24pd, 32pd, 8-Inch Guns, 13, 10, 8 ,5 & , 4-Inch Mortars.

With details of all Carriages, Limbers, Rocket Wagons, Ammunition Wagons, platforms, Gyns ets . Smaller items : barrels, boxes, cases, stores, fuzes,shells , fire balls, spherical shot & shells, Camp equipment, Medical & miscellaneous.

With 100’s of tables showing the size, weight & cost of the various equipment & items.

With 444pp A4 size pages. Cost £ 45 + £8.00 Postage. 1.4 Kg

Army Equipment Pt. III Royal Engineers, Personal Dress & equipment of Officers & all ranks, in addition fully illustrated tool sets for each Trade & skilled branch of the Royal Corps of Engineers at that date(1866) with cost of each item. 83pp ,27 A4 size plates with 7 of Uniform & dress, rest illustrating 100’s tools, all to scale. Cost £30. 860gms

Army Equipment Pt. V Equipment for Infantry, List & details of all equipment used by Officers & all ranks, quantity issued per Battalion, Cost of such items etc. 210pp, 22 A3 size fold out plates. £ 30. 1070gms

Army Equipment Pt. VII Hospital Equipment . Personal Dress & equipment for Medical Officers & Army Hospital Corps. Plus hospital equipment, tents, medical chests, instrument cases(with all instruments illustrated & dimensions), Hospital carts, Ambulance wagon, pack saddles, Medical panniers, light operating tables, etc. 112pp, 41 A3 size fold out plates. Cost £ 30. 970gms.

Handbook For Military Artificers prepared in the Ordnance College 1899.

Each Tradesman or Artificer in the late Victorian Army would have passed through the Ordnance College to learn their skill in the branch of their chosen trade. During which they would have been issued with this Handbook. Each Trade is covered giving the contents & information of their course, a fold out plate illustrating every tool & item officially issued as part of their tool kit. With all tools in each plate drawn to the same scale, giving the comparison & specification for items issued, each plate having a detailed listing. With 198pp, 156 drawings in text, 23 A3 size pull out scale detailed plans of tools & equipment. Bound in maroon buckram cloth with gold leaf lettering on spine royal arms badge on cover. A4 size . Cost £30. 1070gms

Instructions for Armourers (Government of India Army )1911

In the care & repair of small arms, bayonet, sword scabbards, machine guns, tripod mountings and bicycles .A Handbook in the care, repair and stripping of a whole range of equipment of this period. Covering items of the British & Indian Armies with marking of arms by Regiment & Corps for both.

Subjects covered include Webley pistols, Martini-Enfield, Martini- Metford rifles & carbines with bayonet & scabbards, Gardner, Nordenfelt , Maxin & Parapet Machine Guns, sword bayonet, swords etc. In important publications for the arms collector or re-enactor of the period where display & used of arms of this period are used. A4 size, 182pp, 30 scale drawings of arms with their single parts & systems of which 24 plates are A3 size fold out plates. Many of which are true show true cross section engineering drawings/plans with all dimensions and detailed notes. Cost £30. 1070gms.

Army Service Corps. Training

Due to the large growth in service & equipment used and supplied by the Corps it was necessary to have a whole range of training manuals and Handbooks for the student on their chosen course of which would represent their service with the Corps. The collection of four parts covered the wide range of skills and knowledge to be part of this branch of the Army. From the basic training, being a member of the Corps (pt 1) giving details of the care of animals, wagons, equipment, drill parades etc. to stores, feed for animals, water supply etc (pt2) Horse Transport(and all other possible animal & wagon use) (pt 3) and finally Mechanical Transport (Steam lorries, Traction engines) being the most advanced mode of transport & supply. Each part is bound in matching maroon buckram cloth with gold leaf lettering on spine & royal arms badge on cover. A4 size . £30 per part.

Army Service Corps. Training Pr . 1 1909 Horse, Wagon, Drill.

It covers foot & mounted drill, stable routine for training & manoeuvres, pack transport, movements by rail & sea, general care & fittings for harness & saddlery , care of horse drawn vehicles, pack transport. Description of transport and ambulance wagons & carts, ceremonial, dress, weights, treatment of injured animals. With 178pp, 16 A4 size plates & 10 A3 size pages of plans of vehicles & harness, 11 B & W photos of harness & equipment. 16 illustrations in text. Included are Amendments dated 1914 which have 51pp, 19 B & W photos and 8 illustrations in the text. 1210gms

Army Service Corps. Training Pt . 3 1915 Horse Transport.

It covers various forms of animal transport, saddlery , pack saddlery & harness, military vehicles, description of service vehicles, War Dept stores. Each Military vehicle has a detailed account of its size, weight, method of construction, canvas covers, tools used, care required, cost etc. With subjects illustrated of horse, mule, camel & elephant saddlery & equipment. Giving detailed establishments of Mule, Bullock, Pony & Camel Corps. With 254pp, 27 scale plans of vehicles of which 4 are A3 size pull out, with a further 29 illustrations horse, mule, camel & elephant saddlery & equipment. A gem of information for the animal/transport researcher, modeller, re-enactor. 1070gms . ( Example of this book shown in photograph)

Army Service Corps. Training Pt . 4 1912 Mechanical Transport

Subjects covered include: the steam engine, the internal combustion engine, transmission systems, mechanical transport vehicles, routine duties, convoys & general instructions, workshop management. With information/drawings & plans giving true cross section engineering drawings with dimensions & detailed notes on Traction engines, steam lorries & wagons also photographs of some of the vehicles themselves produced by : “Lion & Wellington” by Fowlers, “Little Giant” by Tasker & Sons, “Leyland” by Leyland Motors, “Sentinel” by Alley & Maclellan , other manufacture include Charles Burrel , Aveling & Porter, Willis & Stevens, Foden . A very important book for all steam transport collectors & enthusiasts. 1150gms.

The Rifle-Musket: A Practical Treatise on The Enfield-Pritchett Rifle, recently adopted in the British service.

By Capt. Jervis-White Jervis R.A. Pub. 1854.

This book has a preface, and is in four chapters ,The Musket, The Charge, The Projectiles, The Aim. With a detailed account of the manufacture of the Barrel, Lock, Stock, Ramrod & Bayonet with illustrations. The Charge chapter covers saltpetre, charcoal, sulphur, proportion and incorporating of ingredients , explosive force of gunpowder, then details of the bullet and finally how to use (aim) the rifle with range tables.

A5 size with dark green Balacrome cloth, x + 70pp and 30 Illustrations in the text & historical notes. Price £ 21.00 360gms .

Military Breech-Loading Rifles (1869)

with detailed notes on the Snider and Martini-Henry Rifles and Boxer Ammunition

by Capt. Majendie & Capt. Browne

This book gives general information on Military Breech-Loaders and Service Arms & Ammunition of this period. It was published to give information for Musketry Instructors who were on courses at the Royal Laboratory Woolwich and other places of instruction as a textbook to back up their notes & instruction. This during a time of changing small arms & its ammunition being introduced in the Army during the 1860’s. A5 size with dark green Balacrome cloth, iii+129pp and 22 Illustrations in the text & 7 plates. Price £ 21.00 370gms .

The Arms and Ammunition of the British Service c1870.

By Major V.D.Majendie R.A.

Author of “A Treatise on Ammunition”, “Breech-Loading Rifles & Ammunition” etc.

Based on information in the latest issue of Blue Books, reports, manuals and official documents, this little manual provides the reader , be it of general interest or the military student with the latest developments & introduction of advanced arms & ammunition in the late 1860’s.

Chapters covering the following are included: portable arms, side arms, muzzle-loading small-arms, breech-loading small arms, gunpowder, great guns and their projectiles, smooth bores, rifled guns, and their projectiles, artillery carriages, ballistic instruments .

With xii, 132pp, A5 size with 47 ill’s in the text, 2 double fold out pages of listings of all ordnance and ammunition in use at that time both smooth-bore & rifled. Bound in dark green balacrome cloth with silver leaf lettering on spine & garrison gun badge on book cover. Price £ 21 weight 370gms.

Evolution of Modern Small Arms (1898) by Marks.

With an introduction by Dr. Christopher Roads.

The author explains how arms worked and evolved giving the British patents to chart this history starting in 1635 . From which he gives an amazing variety of inventions and innovations covering all types of weapons from British rifles, pistols , revolvers Y semi-automatic pistols. This book is A5 size, viii, 170pp with 111 illustrations in the text. Bound in dark green balocrome & silver leaf lettering on spine. Cost £21. 400gms.

AMMUNITION : A Descriptive Treatise ,

Part II Ammunition for Rifled Ordnance 1870

By Capt. C.O. Brown

A descriptive treatise on the different projectiles, charges, fuzes ,rockets etc, at present in use for land and sea service, and on other war stores manufactured in the royal laboratory

This edition covers the Armstrong Breech-Loading system, B.L. Projectiles, Segment shell, Common Shell, Shot, Muzzle-loading Armstrong Shunt system, Woolwich System, Boxer Shrapnel Shell, Palliser Projectiles, Special equipment for 7-pd & 9-pd adopted for India, Charge, Patterns of B.L. Service markings, Charges & Cartridges for M.L.(Armstrong) Shunt Gun, Charges for Woolwich Guns, Tubes, Armstrong E & F Time Fuzes , Percussion Fuzes , Rockets & Rocket Machines, Hale’s War Rockets, Boxer’s Life Saving Rockets, Notes on Flight & Penetration of Projectiles.

With 252pp A4 size with 86 woodcut plates of illustrations on rifled ordnance and rockets.

A4 size dark blue buckram covered, gold leaf lettering & royal coat of arms on the cover.

Cost £25 +£ 5 P & P( UK ) 950gms.

Notes on Ammunition 5 th Edition 1877 (corrected upto 1881)

The only detailed publications giving information on the smooth-bore ordnance, small arms ammunition for the: Snider & Martini- Henery Rifles, pistols, Gatling Guns. With details of Hale’s rockets, 64, 80, 40 & 25 R.M.L. Guns.Armstrong B.L. system etc. With 164pp, over 100 B & W drawings, 18 pages of tables. 24.5cmx16cm size pages, soft cover. Cost £19.

Handbook for the Martini-Henry Rifle

Handbook showing parts, drill, aiming,firing , bayonet, care of rifle & ammunition of this main weapon used in the Z.W. 156pp, over 30 B & W drawings. Soft Cover .Cost £ 19.00. 230gms.

Handbook for the Lee- Metford Rifle

Handbook showing details of rifle introduced in 1887, by the bold action design of James P.Lee and reduced calibre barrel of Metford’s system of rifling. It has 140pp, over 35 B & W drawings. Soft Cover. Cost £19. 230gms.

The ARMOURER’S HANDBOOK 1943 By LABORE

Published to help assist Armourer’s & their staff in the maintenance, repair of the weapons in service and to bring home to the individual the importance of “looking after” this part of his equipment which his life may depend upon. Published originally by Gale and Polden Ltd. as three different booklets, this is the first time they have been all bound as one book.

The three parts were : 1. The Rifle, 2. Machine Carbines and Pistols 3.Light Machine Guns. Each part has a section on the 5 or 6 different subjects. Each firearm has: details of examination looking at all views, magazine,bolt etc, applied safety,Stripping,Gauging , Method of testing etc. With a B & W Photograph and a fully detailed fold out plan with all parts dis -assembled & named. 24.5 cm x 16 cms size, 106pp, 17 B & W Photos, 17 fold out plates ,. Bound in maroon buckram, gold leaf lettering & royal coat of arms to cover.

Cost £ 21.00 weight 720gms

A Dictionary of Explosives c1886

A Practical Dictionary on the explosives used or proposed to be used in the United Kingdom which are or have been licensed for use and manufacture for general sale under the Explosives Act 1875

By Major J.P. Cundill R.A. H.M. Inspector of Explosives.

This book covers eight different classes of explosive:

1 Gunpower , ordinarily so-called, 2 Nitrate mixtures other then gunpowder, 3 Chlorate mixtures, 4 Nitro-compounds containing nitro-glycerine, 5 Nitro-compounds not containing nitro-glycerine, 6 Explosives in which picric acit is a main constituent, 7 Explosives of the sprengel type, 8 miscellaneous explosives.

With an additional section on : Some of the more recent developments and applications of explosives by Col. V.D.Majendie C.B. 24.5cm x16cm size with dark green Balacrome cloth , 96pp , 3 drawings in the text,plus Recent Developments & Applications 20pp.

Price £ 21.00 400gms .

The Manual of Military Electric Lighting Vol. I, II & III.1909-1912

This is the only detailed Manual on this equipment , all bound as one book. Full details of all equipment used with Military lighting , motors, generation equipment, battery power, projector gear, projectors, search lights in Fortress installations, reflectors, switchgear & boards, accumlators , field electric lighting, central power stations, fittings & lamps, arc lighting, electric cable and accessories.

With tables, circuit diagrams, installation diagrams, cable network diagrams , illustrations of equipment, B & W photographs of the equipment itself & IEE Wiring rules 6 th edition 1911.

With Vol I 104pp 101 ills, Vol II 178pp114 ills, Vol III 136pp 63 ills., Giving a total of 416pp & 278 illustrations & tables. Bound in maroon buckram, gold leaf lettering & royal coat of arms to cover. Cost £ 25 + £8.00 Postage. 1660 gms

Books on Naval Ammunition, Ordnance & Equipment

R.L. Handbook on AMMUNITION (NAVAL) 1918

This edition covers the ammunition used by the Royal Navy during WWI. The contents which include:

Fuses (20pp) Miscellaneous (13pp), H.E. Shell (7pp), Chemical Shell (4pp), Star Shell( 3pp), Incendiary Shell(3pp), Smoke Shell(2pp), Shrapnel Shell(1pp).

Full of cross section drawings fuses with their name for each part, shells with cut away sections and detailed tables etc. Being a total 53pp of which 18 pages are in full colour. Produced slightly larger than A5 size with Soft card covers.

Price £19.00 weight 170gms.

Handbook on AMMUNITION (NAVAL) 1935

This edition covers the ammunition used by the Royal Navy at the start of WWII. The contents which include: General remarks, High Explosives, Propellants, Cartridges for B.L. and Q.F. guns and catapults, Tubes, Blank Cartridges, Ammunition packages, Projectiles, Shell fuzes & gains, Aircraft Bombs, pistols & fuzes , small arms ammunition & rifle grenades, fireworks, magazines & shellrooms .

With 194pp A4 size with 58 plates of which 6 are B & W photographs and 10 pages in full colour. A4 size dark blue buckram covered, gold leaf lettering & royal coat of arms on the cover. Cost £30 +£ 5 P & P( UK ) 1050gms.

An Elementary Treatise on the Mounting of Naval Ordnance 1811

by Lt. Col. William Congreve

“The true principles of construction for the carriages of every species of Ordnance so as to work with as fewer hands the heaviest metal causing the least possible strain to the ship.”

A Treatise of Naval Ordnance of Nelsons Navy. A unique book for our understanding of Naval Gunnery & Carriages. It has xiv, 51pp and 17 pages of cannon and ordnance. A4 size. Bound in dark blue buckram with gold leaf lettering and cannon design on cover. Cost £35. 710gms.

Naval Gunnery (1897) by Captain H.Garbett R.N.

Written to give the public a history of Naval Gunnery from the 1300’s when they were first used on board to the 1900’s. Readable enough to give a non technical reader a good insite into the development into smooth bore guns to the breech loaders of 111 tone to 6 inch Q.F. guns just introduced to the Navy. Gives details of how guns on a man-of-war are constructed, mounted, and worked to how such a complex fighting machine the battleship was in the 1890’s. It has 360pp A5 size, 113 illustrations in the text, & 12 B & W photos. Cost £30. 680gms.

Handbook of Naval Ordnance 1916

This handbook covers the period of guns used during WWI. It gives a full detailed account of the various guns in service: 15inch B.L., 12 inch B.L. Mark VIII, IX, X ,XI,XII , 9.2 Inch B.L. X, XI, 7.5 inch B.L. Mark I, II, V. With a further detailed account of their Breech Mechanisms (instructions for stripping, assemble, wrenches, action etc.) and information on box slides, Locks (electronic & percussion) .With 51 A4 & A3 size engineering drawings & plates . It has 90 A4 size pages, 51 A4 & A3 size pages of scale plans and 50 illustrations in the text. A4 size dark blue buckram covered, gold leaf lettering & royal coat of arms on the cover. Cost £30. 1150gms

Instructions for Armourers of His Majesty’s Fleet 1915

This edition supersedes the 1909 edition and covers the period of equipment used during WWI. It gives full details of Magazines Rifles & Accoutrements, Pistols, Aiming Tubes, Sub -Calibre Guns. Care & Preservation, Sights, Director Gear, Breech Fittings, Examination of Guns, Crusher Gauges, Hydraulic Jacks With appendix of: List of tools, Detail of Rifling of Naval Guns, Position of Gravity of various guns, normal chamber pressures, measurements of Bore etc. With 23 A4 size engineering plates & 19 drawings plates It has 212 A4 size pages, dark blue buckram covered, gold leaf lettering & royal coat of arms on the cover. Cost £ 30 . 1030gms.

Royal Naval Handbook of Field Training 1926

This publication covers the many and various Naval Training for operation on land and drill for forces fighting other than on their ship.

Subjects covered include: Squad drill, rifle exercises, field movement drill, sword exercises (cutlass), guard & sentries, platoon drill, company drill, battalion drill, pistol drill & accoutrements, field gun drill, battery drill, machine gun drill, guides and directing flank, and drill for markers, ceremonial, parade, reviews, the Kings Colour, Guards etc. With very good information on the personal dress & equipment type and wearing of. Field Gun Drill also has details of Gun, Limber, etc

It has 336 A4 size pages, 58 A4 size B & W photo plates. With many drawings in the text.

A4 size dark blue buckram covered, gold leaf lettering & royal coat of arms on the cover.

Cost £30 +£ 5 P & P( UK ) 1380gms

The Naval Gunnery Pocket Book 1945

This edition supersedes the 1932 edition and Ammunition Pocket Book 1935 of which contents now form this book. It covers the period of equipment used during WWII. It gives full details of: Gunnery on ships (a Cruiser & Destroyer), Ships Company, Naval Guns, Hand & Power worked Mountings, Ammunition, Low Angled Firing, Fire Control, Radar, Rangefinders, High Angled Firing, A.A. Gunnery, Damage Control, Boarding Parties, Gunnery Practices, Saluting Guns. With 3 colour &18 A3 size engineering plates & 37 diagrams. It has 213 A4 size pages, dark blue buckram covered, gold leaf lettering & royal coat of arms on the cover. Cost £30. 1130gms.

Instructions for the Armourers of Her Majesty’s Fleet 1885,

This covers Nordenfelt , Gatling , Gardner machine guns, Martini-Henry Rifle, Adam’s, Enfield pistols . iii, 56pp,9 plates (fold out), Soft Covers, £ 19. 275gms.

Rifle and Field Exercises and Musketry Instructions of Her Majesty’s Fleet 1877

Covers Martini-Henry Rifle, Field Exercises inc. Landing Party etc., xvi, 230pp ,24 + plates Soft Cover £19. 500gms

Notes on Armour and Artillery Defence of a Coastal Fortress c1888 by Major W.St . P.Bunbury .

This handbook covers the subject of Armour, its construction, penetration and application to war vessels and forts. The question of the power of guns , their ammunition, mounting and position. With 84pp with tables, and 67 pages of plates showing detailed drawings of Warships of Austria, France , Germany , Italy , & Russia . Cost £21.

Royal Flying Corps Training Manual 1914

Part I & Part II( Military Wing).

This is the first two Manuals ever issued to the then new Royal Flying Corps.

The Manuals cover Part I: care of aeroplanes, care of aeroplane sheds, repair of aeroplanes and organization of workshops, assembling, erecting and trueing up of aeroplanes, care and repair of internal-combustion engines, instruments, compasses, instruction in flying, navigation of the air by day, meteorology, motor transport. With 172pp, 21 illustrations in the text.

Part II covers: organization and administration , employment of aircraft in war.

This being issued which covers the general principles when, govern the training in peace & the employment in war of the military wing of the R F.C.

It points out that there is little experience and evidence from actual campaigns to assist in laying down any definite principles for the employment of aerial service in war, with 80pp.

Re-published as a pair, smaller than A5 size, hand bound to match in bucram cloth.

They can be supplied in either Khaki colour cloth with back lettering/badge or the traditional blue of the RAF with gold leaf letter & R.F.C. badge on cover.

Price for Pair £ 30.00 weight 700gms.

For more details of any of the above publications, send 4 x 1 st Class Stamps or 4 x I.R.C.’s for a illustrated catalogue to the address shown on the main page. 10/4/11 .