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

TU 33 Studio01
TU 33 Studio01

The Norinco TU-33/40: A Rimfire Mauser Lookalike from China

The Norinco TU-33/40 is, at a glance, a copy of a Mauser 98k with a few choice details that give away the fact that it’s not a big-bore World War II workhorse.

AI Tools Enter the Used-Gun Market

Companies that deal in the used-gun market are not shy about sharing the advantages their AI-driven tools and services.

Standing Guard | Standing on the Line for Freedom

This past August marks 46 years since I raised my right hand and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. In the summer of 1980, I entered active duty with a firm sense of civic duty and a deep desire to serve our great nation. Like so many who wear the uniform, I was ready to contribute directly to the defense of freedom.

Making Baschieri & Pellagri Shotshells

Italy is known for its many makers of fine-quality shotguns, but what many might not known is that Italy is also home to one of the industry's top manufacturers of shotshells for hunting and sporting use: Baschieri & Pellagri.

Rifleman Interview: Volquartsen Firearms

Several of Volquartsen’s excellent rimfire firearms were on display at “Plinkapalooza” earlier this year.

Army Purchases EOTECH Electro-Optics

EOTECH recently announced that the U.S. Army had purchased 14,000 of its lasers, holographic optics and magnifiers for use on the military's M7, XM8 and M250 platforms.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.