[James R.Fox]

Sirs-I was able to identify a cut-down Venitian fouchard for a gentleman with a question about strange Italian arms. I did it by using George Cameron Stone's "Glossary of thr Construction,Decoration and Use of Arms and Armour".This reference is good for anything published before 1935 or so, which is when he wrote it. The principal subject it does not have is Wootz Steel,as the archaeological evidence for the necessary blast furnaces and crucible technology did not begin to be published untill the 1970's.Therefore,when identifying strange historical stuff, try George. He's quite good, espically on Japanese arms and armour,and medieval stuff Don't leave home w/o this book, as well as your Oakshottt and Claude Blair. As a matter of fact A.V.P Norman's works on arms and armour are pretty good too.(Being older than dirt, at least on cold rainy days, I've had time to look and judge. I also ask alot of questions on sites like this.)