Thanks dxr, your comments are well appreciated.
When Mike and I were getting close, we thought that this volume would be a bit overwhelming and maybe too technical.
We strived for a balance between presentation and content and I believe we got pretty close to our target.
Again, thanks to all who are enjoying our latest creation.
BK
For those of you who are not members of Bayonet Collector's Network, here is a review of Bruce & Mike's book as sent out to all the BCN members. Well done, you two!!!
From Fred M.
BOOK REVIEW: Karabiner 98k A Collector's Guide to the Development and Production of the German K98k Service Rifle up to 1938 Vol. 1. By (BCNer) Bruce Karem & Michael Steves Third party Press 2012
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Yesterday I received a copy of Volume 1 of Bruce Karem's planned trilogy on the German Kar98k. His second book joins the first, dealing with the last months of 98k production, Kriegsmodell. As a long-time collector of German military rifles and accessories 1871-1945, I was overwhelmed by the depth of detail and profusion of high-quality, color photographs featured in Kriegsmodell. In looking through his newest work, I am even more spellbound!
Comprising 588 pages, to say the book is "profusely illustrated" would be an understatement. Volume 1 begins with an detailed overview of German military rifle production starting with the Gewehr88 and developments in Mauser rifle production leading to the adoption of the Gewehr98 & Kar98. Succeeding chapters discuss the experiences of World War One, the post-war Weimar years, and commercial manufacture prior to introduction of the Kar98k. Following chapters chronicle contract production for the German military and is broken down by manufacturer and year up to 1938. But, there is still more. Volume 1, as in Kriegsmodell, covers the many accessories produced for, and in support of, the various models. Of particular note was the attention given to bayonets made for the Gewehrs & Karbiners, and the S84/98 in particular. Lastly is an appendix section with numerous documents and addenda.
I spent a couple hours going through Volume 1, which allowed me time for only a superficial study of the material presented. Many more hours will be needed in order to even begin to reap the benefits of Bruce's & Michael's labors. I have no doubt that when completed, the trilogy will be considered the definitive study of the Kar98k. For any collector whom shares an interest in German military rifles, and the Kar98k in particular, this book is not just a must, it is a requirement. Well done, Bruce!
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