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

The Broad Arrow mark is synonymous with British service equipment. This distinctive stamp was introduced 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—even to this day, the Broad Arrow is marked on small arms and assorted service equipment.

Comprehensive Coverage:

• British & Empire manufacturers and contractors
• Factory production markings
• Proof and inspection marks
• Armourers and issue markings
• Unit markings from more than 200 years of military history

Geographic Scope:

This reference covers markings 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.

What Makes This Reference Essential:

Unit and issue marks are organized alphabetically rather than by unit groupings, making this much easier for reference than traditional service armourers manuals and reprints. This alphabetical arrangement allows you to quickly find specific unit names—ideal for collectors researching medal rims and military equipment.

Detailed Documentation:

The introductions to each chapter describe the particular application of markings 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.

Perfect For:

• Military historians and researchers
• Firearms and equipment collectors
• Medal collectors researching unit markings
• Anyone studying British and Commonwealth military history

This second edition includes updated research and more than duplicated information from turn-of-the-century service armourers manuals.

Enjoy the knowledge!