Overview

This is a significant historical account of the U.S. Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts which provides us with new and detailed information about how Armory Superintendent Erskine S. Allin became both an inventor of new technology and an innovator in the introduction of interchangeable parts for weapons that helped win the Civil War. The history of the United States Armory at Springfield is one that is deeply rooted in American politics and can be traced prior to the American Revolution. Any study of the institution will include the names of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and eventually, Erskine Allin. Furthermore, any comprehensive study of the institution and its members will require a detailed examination of the acts of Congress, presidential directives and actions of major actors from within the federal bureaucracy. Established by an act of Congress, the Armory at Springfield would be instrumental in the successes of the American military from the Revolution to well into the twentieth century. The institution, as well as the individuals within its employ, demonstrates the complexity of the world of politics, history, and military affairs.

Full Product Details

9780773414730

Table of Contents

Reviews

Erskine S. Allin was Master Armorer at Springfield Armory from 1853 until his death in 1879. It would be hard to imagine a more exciting and innovative time in the history of arms making. When Allin started his career at the National Armory at Springfield Massachusetts the flintlock represented the state of the art of small arms ignition...It was replaced by percussion cap and, later cartridge-based systems in the early-to-mid 19th century, all within the working life of Erskine s. Allin. (Professor Emeritus, James B. Whisker, West Virginia University)

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available