Videos tagged with South African History

This video is a book review of Dave C. George's three-volume work, "Carvings From the Veldt." The books document nearly a thousand carved rifles from the Boer War, a unique practice among Boer civilian militia who often embellished their personal weaponry. The review highlights the variety of styles, the research into personal histories of the rifle owners, and recommends the set for collectors and historians interested in South Africa, the Boer War, and the British colonial period. Links to purchase the books directly from the author and the author's YouTube channel are provided.

This video delves into the ZAR Mauser rifles used by Dutch-origin Boer settlers during the Second Anglo-Boer War. It highlights the historical context, the Boer commando system, and the evolution towards Mauser rifles after trials with other models. Key technical features, including a unique flat-bottomed bolt face and cock-on-close action, are detailed, alongside personalization markings and the distinct carbine variant. The rarity of surviving examples due to post-war British destruction is also emphasized.