Dangerous Arts: Meet the Leather Worker

This video offers a glimpse into a live medieval jousting event at The Royal Armouries in Leeds. It highlights the theatrical proclamation by a knight, the immersive atmosphere created by period-accurate attire, and the impressive display of horsemanship and armor during the jousting parade. The event showcases authentic historical reproduction armor and professional horsemanship, curated by a museum.

This video from the Royal Armouries highlights a significant new acquisition: the armor worn by the last King's Champion at a British coronation. The armor, used during George IV's coronation in 1821 by Henry Dymoke, is unique due to its specific provenance and ceremonial role. Its acquisition by the Royal Armouries marks a rare addition to their collection.

This entry details Winston Churchill's personal Patchett Machine Carbine, an early iteration of the Sterling submachine gun. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries provides insights into its design, historical provenance, and technical distinctions from later Sterling models. The entry also touches upon Churchill's broader influence on post-war British small arms policy and his cultivated public image.

This entry details the Kubura Pećanka, a flintlock pistol from the Peć region, influenced by the Ottoman Empire and used from the mid-18th century into WWI. Expert Jonathan Ferguson highlights its construction, including imported locks and barrels assembled with local stocks and brass furniture, noting its distinct Balkan decorative style and functional features like vertically grooved frizzens. Despite perceived 'crude' fit by Western standards, its longevity was due to cultural significance, affordability, and ease of maintenance.

This video provides an in-depth look at the manufacturing process of the L1A1 SLR rifle at the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield, presented by firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries. It details the complex machining, heat treatment, and assembly stages, from raw steel forgings to the finished product, highlighting the precision engineering involved in creating this iconic rifle.

This entry details a WWI-era Erfurt P08 Luger pistol and personal items belonging to Major Charles Frederick Ashdown, curated by Lisa Traynor of the Royal Armouries. It covers the Luger's technical specifications, historical context as a trophy of war, and associated personal effects like a silver cigarette case engraved with battle locations. The expert analysis highlights the pistol's unique markings and modifications.

This video features Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson in a 60-second challenge at the Royal Armouries to find three unique firearms: a Charlton Automatic Rifle, a Schwarzlose Model 1898 pistol, and an early SA80 prototype. They discuss unusual mechanical operations and limited historical impact, highlighting experimental designs like the Sterling 7.62mm prototype and the Mars .45 Automatic Pistol.

The Knight's Armament KS-1, designated L403A1 by the British Army, is a new AR-15 platform rifle adopted for specialized units like the Army Special Operations Brigade and Royal Marines. It features a 13.7-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and is equipped with a Vortex 1-10x LPVO and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for versatile engagement ranges. The rifle utilizes a KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor and is part of 'Project Hunter' to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

This video details the armor and weaponry of an 11th-century Norman knight, emphasizing the evolution of protective gear. It covers the padded undergarments, the mail hauberk constructed from thousands of iron rings, and the nasal helmet for head protection. The kite shield offered significant defense, while primary weapons included the lance and a one-handed sword.

This video explores a unique modernization attempt of the Martini-Henry rifle using Captain Harston's Patent Magazine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Mark IV rifle's features and the external magazine's mechanism, designed to convert the single-shot rifle into a five-round repeater. Despite its ingenuity, the system faced issues with reliability, high conversion costs, and was ultimately overshadowed by superior bolt-action designs like the Lee-Metford.