Overview

A sumptuous collection of nearly 100 German military edged weapons, predominantly swords and daggers, are displayed in close-up detail, together with information on what is known about their owners. Legacies in Steel is focused on historical edged weapons of the German military from 1800 to 1990. Nearly 100 examples have been carefully selected from some of the most important private collections in the world as well as German museums, the largest compendium of personalised edged weapons published to date. Through the photographic lens, details of these elegant and beautiful objects are featured. Many of these edged weapons belonged to nobility, aristocrats, high-ranking military personnel as well as soldiers and seamen. Where possible, the careers and courageous exploits of the former owners are highlighted. An appreciation of this historical context transforms what is a beautiful and sublimely crafted artifact in its own right, into a portal to the past by putting a face to an otherwise inanimate object. Swords and daggers, although having long outlived their utility as effective fighting weapons, maintained their popularity in Western Europe as uniform regalia and this reached its zenith in the 19th through mid-20th centuries. They were carried with great pride as a symbol of authority, organizational and social distinction, achievement and most importantly, honour. These weapons were produced with great skill and at high cost during the heyday of German edged weapon production. They required extensive handwork by many specialised and highly skilled artisans, often using precious metals and ivory, elaborate hand engraving and chiseling. Blades were fabricated of the highest quality Solingen steel. Folded steel damascus blades were also painstakingly and selectively produced. Many examples are unique and border on singular works of art. The authors are dedicated to preserving not only these beautiful historical artifacts but equally important, the legacy and honour of each of the original owners. This beautifully presented book with stunning close-up photography of the weapons will be a lasting record of these extraordinary objects. AUTHORS: Hermann Hampe was born in Hannover, Germany in 1961. After completing his economics education he has been involved in real estate development. During his free time he researches and writes about a number of historical themes in the area of edged weapons. Rick Dauzat is a retired oil and gas executive. His professional career spanned 34 years with his greatest expertise in petroleum exploration and production in Africa and North America. His passion for history and in particular, the exquisite edged weapons of Imperial Germany prior to 1919 spans over 25 years. Full colour throughout

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9781612007779

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This volume would nonetheless be of great interest to any serious collector of German militaria. --Maine Antique Digest

This volume would nonetheless be of great interest to any serious collector of German militaria. -- Maine Antique Digest

Author Information

Hermann Hampe was born in Hannover, Germany in 1961. After completing his economics education he has been involved in real estate development. During his free time he researches and writes about a number of historical themes in the area of edged weapons. Hermann has a continuing interest in the historical and theoretical development of the edged weapons of the German Navy, specifically during the Imperial time period 1800-1918. He lives in Cannes and intends to pursue further research and publications in the historical development of the legendary Japanese Nihonto swords. Rick Dauzat is a retired oil and gas executive. His professional career spanned 34 years with his greatest expertise in petroleum exploration and production in Africa and North America. His passion for history and in particular, the exquisite edged weapons of Imperial Germany prior to 1919 spans over 25 years. He continues to actively research this vast topic with a focus on personalized weapons of historical importance. He currently lives in the USA where he also enjoys international travel, outdoor recreation, art, historical research and writing.

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