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

Trump Atf Reforms F
Trump Atf Reforms F

How the Trump Administration is Reforming the ATF

After more than a year of review, the DOJ, and its sub-agency, the ATF, released 34 notices of final and proposed rules to eliminate infringements on Americans’ Second Amendment rights.

A Tale of Two Grips: Building Beyond the First Shot

Every shooter has two grips living inside them, and most never realize it until they are exposed by a timer.

Roni Corporation Establishes U.S.-Based Manufacturing

Roni Corporation—designer and manufacturer of the Micro Roni, PDW-style pistol-to-carbine conversion kits and other firearm accessories—has established U.S.-based operations and manufacturing in Houston, Texas.

PenFed Credit Union Reports Strong Q1 Growth in 2026

Continuing its record of positive growth over the last several years, NRA partner PenFed Credit Union reported increases in capital and liquidity, earning growth and credit quality through the first quarter of 2026.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1884 Trapdoor Springfield

The U.S. military's first official breechloading service rifle was the Trapdoor Springfield, and of the line of guns that saw use throughout the late 19th century, one of the most refined was the Model 1884 Trapdoor.

A Retro Python: The Pietta Blacktooth Revolver

As the company did with the original Colt Single Action Army, Pietta sought to reproduce the Colt Python as closely to the original as possible with its new Blacktooth revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.