The Broad Arrow Mk 2: British & Empire Markings Reference (Hardcover) by Ian Skennerton

Table of Contents The Broad Arrow mark is synonymous with British service equipment, this distinctive stamp was introduced incorporated in a Royal Cypher at the dawn of the seventeenth century, more than three hundred years ago. In Britain and former Commonwealth countries, it remains the paramount insignia of government ownership as even to this day, the Broad Arrow is marked on small arms and assorted service equipment. British & Empire manufacturers, contractors, proof, inspection, armourers and issue markings are illustrated along with more new information. The unit and issue marks here are more than duplicated unit lists from turn-of-the-century service armourers manuals as they have been further researched and updated. More than two hundred years of unit markings are tabulated here, from the British Isles, Canada, Australia, South Africa, India, New Zealand and other outposts of the Empire in Africa, the West Indies, Middle East and the Far East. These are generally grouped in alphabetical order rather than by the units as is seen in manuals and most reprints available today. This makes the unit and issue markings lists herein much easier for reference and to find specific unit names. With units stamped on medal rims, this is an ideal reference for medal collectors too. The introductions to each chapter or section also describes the particular application of those markings, be they relative to production, factory, contractor, proof, view and inspection along with a myriad of armourers markings and stamps from a period of more than three hundred years. Enjoy the knowledge!