The Armourer March 2022

REGULAR Welcome This month’s cover story is the very sobering story of the Czech operation to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, a hardline Nazi, Chief of the Reich Security Main Office and a principle architect of the Holocaust. There have been two films on the subject recently, because Hollywood studios have a habit of copying each other, with Anthropoid in 2016 and The Man with the Iron Heart in 2017. However, over the festive break I had the opportunity to watch a much older version, Operation Daybreak, from 1975, which really captured the bravery of Josef Gabcik and Jan Kubis, along with their co-conspirators. This is the story of how the Czech government in exile wanted to strike back at the Nazis and decided that killing Heydrich in Prague would be the…

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ARMOURER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION, YOUR WAY Pick the rate that suits you and your budget! With offers starting from as little as £12.99 a quarter, subscribing really is the cheapest and easiest way to receive the paper magazine to your door every month! Save money every issue Quarterly, annual or one-off options available To view our latest subscription offers go to MILITARIA.MA/ARM-SUBS22 or call 01778 392489 and quote ARM/MYSUB22 Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm and Saturdays 9am – 5pm READ ON ANY DEVICE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME! Read about battles and campaigns including features on collecting medals, weapons, uniforms and equipment. All of this one week before it’s on sale in the shops when opting for the digital magazine! pktmags.com/arm-sub22 *Saving is based on UK…

REGULAR militarianews Duncan Evans reports on what’s happening in the world of military history and collecting TALKS Events at NAM Here are the events coming up at the National Army Museum, based in Chelsea, London, throughout February. For bookings go to www.nam.ac.uk. Captain Robert Parker and the Royal Irish Regiment 4 February, 12 noon Captain Robert Parker enjoyed a military career spanning 35 years. Parker saw extensive service in the wars of King William III and the Duke of Marlborough during the 1690s and 1700s. Throughout this time, he diligently kept a journal, in which he made accounts of many famous battles and sieges, including Aughrim (1691) and Blenheim (1704). In this fascinating free talk, National Army Museum curator Justin Saddington will recount some of Parker’s career-defining moment. You can…

Buying and collecting Militaria for sale Lenny Warren trawls the internet to find bargains, rare, interesting or bizarre items of militaria As well as collecting militaria, I’ve also been interested in shooting for many years. From air rifles as a kid, I progressed to shotguns and then target rifles, both small and full bore, including a Lee Enfield No. 4 Mk. 2 which had been converted from .303 to 7.62mm NATO. That lead me onto collecting small arms ammunition as a side interest to my main collecting areas. It can form quite an addictive pursuit, with lots of variety and scope for collecting. I’ve always wanted a comprehensive bullet display board, and here we have a small version showing a variety of military rifle cartridges from 6.5x54 Mann-Schoenauer to 7.92…

Auction preview In the sale rooms Third Reich at Ratisbon’s The weapons, uniforms, medals and militaria coming up for auction The 46th Contemporary History Auction at Ratisbon’s runs online until 27 February, which gives readers of the digital edition of The Armourer chance to get bidding. The very first lot is bound to draw some attention, being a Luftwaffe M38 paratrooper’s helmet. It’s a typical helmet shell with ‘ET66’ maker and size stamp on the side. Has around 80% of factory paint and 90% of the decals. Comes directly from the family estate with a card of the wearer in action. Never on the market before, bidding starts at £3,335, but don’t forget the 22.5% Buyer’s Premium as well. Staying with the Luftwaffe, here’s a summer white visor cap for an EM/NCO.…

Big guns at Rock Island May 13-15 sees a three day bonanza for antique, classic and collectable firearms from US specialist, Rock Island Auction. The auction includes elite American treasures like Ulysses S Grant's Remington New Model Army revolvers, serial numbers 1 and 2. The ivory grips on these exquisitely engraved pieces feature carvings to honour Ulysses S Grant, General and Chief of the Armies of the United States. An ultra-rare, documented Winchester ‘One of One Hundred’ 1873 lever-action rifle is another flagship item. One of only eight manufactured, this Model 1873 represents one of the most elusive variations of specia-lorder Winchesters and is a crown jewel in gun collecting. Other headline Winchesters include a documented Winchester One of One Thousand, a rare, LD Nimschke signed and engraved, gold gilt…