Book Review: 'Carvings from the Veldt: Part One'

posted on July 18, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
carvings-from-the-veldt-boer-war-book-review-4.jpg
Now in its ninth printing (2019), this book is the first in a series of three books by Dave C. George that feature the art, history and artifacts of the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) in South Africa, all in relation to the history carved by an individual on the wooden stock of his firearm.

While the focus of the book is on the unique carvings on the stocks of 139 firearms, the author includes so much other information, through the expert use of associated images and artifacts, that each entry becomes a story in itself.

First published in 2004, this book is a sad tale of independence lost, and the unutterable hardships endured by the Boers, as well as one of answering a duty that was calling from the British Empire on the part of the British and Commonwealth troops, from all over the globe.

While the author does not provide an overall chronological history of the Boer War in this volume (he does in the subsequent second volume, which is twice the size of this first book), the captions and labels for the guns, equipment, insignia and photographs in each entry gives the reader a very good understanding of the war.

As is the case with all three volumes in this series, each page can be considered as a “mini-museum exhibit” in that everything shown with the image of the carving on that particular firearm relates to its history, and the history of the soldier who carried it—Boer or Briton.

This book is not only a superb compilation of stunning visuals, but it is a great read, with interesting biographies on every page.

"Carvings from the Veldt: Rifle Carvings from the Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1902" retails for $45. For more information, visit boerwarriflecarvings.net.

To learn more about the Mauser rifles used in the Anglo-Boer War, check out, "I Have This Old Gun: Boer Mauser."

Latest

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.