Militaria h Prototypen und Versuchsstücke militärischer Handfeuerwaffen des 19 und früh

The book "Prototypes and Experimental Pieces of Military Hand Firearms from the 19th and Early 20th Centuries" by Mathieu Willemsen offers a comprehensive analysis of the development of military rifles from their beginnings to the introduction of semi-automatic models. Spanning 624 pages, it presents 218 unique prototypes and experimental pieces preserved in the Dutch Army Museum. These works were tested and documented by the Dutch Firearms Testing Department between 1855 and 1933. The author conducted extensive archival research in The Hague to shed light on the testing reports and technical details of these weapons. With over 1500 photos and illustrations, including close-ups and schematic representations, the book provides a deep insight into the firearms technology of the 19th century and the work of the Dutch Rifle Testing Commission. It is a valuable resource for historians, weapon collectors, and technology enthusiasts interested in the history of hand firearms.