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The AK47 Story - Evolution of the Kalashnikov Weapons

Edward Clinton Ezell Published 1986 by Stackpole Books, Pennsylvania Hardback with dust wrapper - 256 pages (b/white throughout) ISBN 0-8117-0916-7 Book printed in the USA, jacket printed in Great Brtain.

The almost universal presence of the AK47 prompted the author's investigations into the Kalashnikov rifles and into the career of the man who invented the weapon. For more than a decade, military historian Edward Clinton Ezell was engaged in breaking through the secrecy surrounding the Kalashnikov, and includes many previously unpublished photographs. This book covers rifles from the Patriotic War to WWI 1812-1917, the first generation of Soviet infantry rifles 1917-1945, the evolution of the first Kalashnikov assault rifles 1943-1953, the design evolution of the Kalashnikov Avtomat 1948-1959, design variants and proliferation throughout many other countries, and further design evolution from 1958-1985 together with a chapter on ammunition. Includes photographs and detailed technical drawings.

The author says "as a shot in the dark back in 1972, I wrote to Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov requesting information about his career. About thirteen months passed, and then one day a letter with an autographed photograph appeared in the mail". The letter referred the author to two significant Russian publications which contributed greatly to this book.

Overall good used condition. All internal pages clean with no issues. Dust jacket shows some wear to edges and two small corner tears.

H:24.2 x W:19.2 x D:2.5cm £15.00 + £4.45 P&P UK

Revolving Arms

A. W. F. Taylerson
First Edition - October 1967
Hardback with dust wrapper - 123 pages Published by Herbert Jenkins, London

The history of mechanically rotated revolving cylinder firearms in England, the Continent and the United States and the early history of Samuel Colt, the ‘father' of revolvers. Over 150 weapons and lock mechanisms illustrated.

Good condition. Dustwrapper price clipped and encapsulated in cellophane with hardly noticeable edge scuffs. Internally, nice, tightly bound clean pages. Traces of dustiness to page edges.

H:24 x W:15.3 x D:2cm £14.00 + £3.10 P&P UK

Kalashnikov - Machine Pistols, Assault Rifles and Machine Guns, 1945 to the present

John Walter Pub. 2002 by Greenhill Military Manuals Pictorial hardback - 143 pages ISBN 1-85367-364-1

One of the outstanding successes in small-arms history, the Kalashnikov, was designed by a Red Army tank mechanic after being wounded during the German invasion in 1941. With first hand experience of Germany's superior firearms, Kalashnikov resolved to develop something better, and after a few false starts, the Automat Kalashnikova 1947 was born. In 1949, the AK-47 was adopted by the Soviet Army, subsequently by other Warsaw Pact members. It quickly spread throughout the world, becoming the "weapon of choice" for terrorist groups. This well-illustrated directory covers variants, specifications and details on sights, bayonets and ammunition.

Virtually as new. H:15.5 x W:21.5 x D:1.8cm £10.00 + £3.10 P&P UK

Weapons of the British Soldier

Colonel H.C. Rogers OBE Published 1968 by Seeley, Service & Co. Hardback with dust wrapper - 259 pages text, illustrations and mono photo plates.

"During his long vigil through the hours of darkness the weapons of the aspirant to the order of knighthood were placed at the altar. He was taught that these weapons must never be used save in the defence of honour, virtue and justice. The hilt of his sword was formed in the shape of the emblem of Christianity; and to this day the pressure of his lips on the Cross, as he draws his sword, is commemorated in the Officer's salute". So begins this book, with the story of weapons which were used at the Battle of Hastings and ending with the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifle which served the British Army through two world wars.

Good used condition. Dust wrapper has scuffed edges with a small tear on back cover and faded spine. Book has light rubbing to bottom edges and stain on inside front cover. Some pages with just a hint of yellowing and slightly stained along top end.

H:25 x W:16 x D:2.5cm £16.00 + £3.10 P&P UK