Czech riflemen

Historic firearms can be viewed in many different ways – and not just for their impact on history and warfare (although few things have had such a fundamental influence on the conduct of war). Firearms have been used for hunting, sport, and entertainment, and in many respects, they also represent an interesting part of the history of technology. Their exquisite craftsmanship and decoration also make them unique works of art, which are rightly the pride of all museum collections and a subject of interest for collectors. The gunsmith's craft, which was practised in many workshops and small factories until the beginning of the industrial production of firearms, also had a long tradition in our country. The products of local craftsmen were world-class, and among them, we can find numerous unique pieces.

This updated edition of the lexicon of Czech gunsmiths, the result of the authors' long-term archival research, provides biographical data on approximately 2,700 firearm manufacturers from the period 1600–1914. It is supplemented by a study on the history of gunsmithing in the Czech lands, contemporary documents, and colour photographs of weapons of Czech origin. This book is a must-have for the library of anyone interested in military history, traditional crafts, collectors, and enthusiasts of historic weapons!