An outstanding reference book on a previously overlooked subject by noted authors LTC (Ret.) Thomas M. Johnson and Thomas T. Wittmann. This first volume is an exhaustive new treatise which has literally taken years of research by the authors who were assisted by the most knowledgeable Imperial German collectors on a worldwide basis. This reference is destined to become a MUST for every edged weapon collector, dealer and researcher. With its unrivaled combination of archival and contemporary professional photographs and art work, Collecting the Edged Weapons of Imperial Germany evokes the spirit of an entire era of important military history. This book traces the development and production of the everpopular German sidearms during the Kaiserzeit, meaning the specific period in history from 1871 to 1918.

It covers the vast majority of the endless edged weapon sidearms and the innumerable variations found in the dress daggers, swords and bayonets used by both the Imperial German Armies and the Navy. Separate detailed chapters on the Hunting and Forestry Hirschffngers, as well as the blades of the Civilian and Government agencies are also discussed. The variations, modifications and changes to the basic edged weapon designs are profusely illustrated and described in detail. Also, for the first time ever, they are accurately fixed in a chronological order.

With professional large format color and black & white photographs by the top edged weapon photographers in this country and abroad, combined with detailed artwork by one of England's premier military artists, this handsome reference book highlights the grace and beauty of popular sidearms of an era long past. The reader will locate between the covers of this reference, many rare and unusual Imperial German sidearms and their accompanying accouterments, which are being pictured for the first time.

A preface by Peter J. Puype, most likely the most knowledgeable living person on the subject of German Navy sidearms, recounts the history of this interesting period in order to set the stage for the reader.

To supplement the text, individual chapters by well-known edged weapon collectors/researchers Victor Diehl, Carl W. Righter and Robert Heiduk will help insure the success of this fascinating new book.

In summary, Collecting the Edged Weapons of Imperial Germany is an absolute MUST for all edged weapon enthusiasts and will prove to be a welcomed addition to any library! 2625