Book Review: 'Carvings from the Veldt: Part One'

posted on July 18, 2020
carvings-from-the-veldt-boer-war-book-review-4.jpg
Now in its ninth printing (2019), this book is the first in a series of three books by Dave C. George that feature the art, history and artifacts of the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) in South Africa, all in relation to the history carved by an individual on the wooden stock of his firearm.

While the focus of the book is on the unique carvings on the stocks of 139 firearms, the author includes so much other information, through the expert use of associated images and artifacts, that each entry becomes a story in itself.

First published in 2004, this book is a sad tale of independence lost, and the unutterable hardships endured by the Boers, as well as one of answering a duty that was calling from the British Empire on the part of the British and Commonwealth troops, from all over the globe.

While the author does not provide an overall chronological history of the Boer War in this volume (he does in the subsequent second volume, which is twice the size of this first book), the captions and labels for the guns, equipment, insignia and photographs in each entry gives the reader a very good understanding of the war.

As is the case with all three volumes in this series, each page can be considered as a “mini-museum exhibit” in that everything shown with the image of the carving on that particular firearm relates to its history, and the history of the soldier who carried it—Boer or Briton.

This book is not only a superb compilation of stunning visuals, but it is a great read, with interesting biographies on every page.

"Carvings from the Veldt: Rifle Carvings from the Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1902" retails for $45. For more information, visit boerwarriflecarvings.net.

To learn more about the Mauser rifles used in the Anglo-Boer War, check out, "I Have This Old Gun: Boer Mauser."

Latest

Fn Americana 545 Tactical Giveaway
Fn Americana 545 Tactical Giveaway

The Great FN Gun Giveaway At NRAAM 2025

Here’s a chance to win a custom, one-of-a-kind FN 545 Tactical pistol at the 154th NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits, April 24-27, in Atlanta, Ga. No purchase necessary.

Training With Moving Targets

Most target shooters understand static or bullseye-type stationary targets quite well, but did you know that adding motion into your training routine will improve practical marksmanship and the skills necessary to conquer defensive situations?

USA Shooting Celebrates 30th Anniversary

USA Shooting marks a historic milestone in April as it celebrates 30 years as the national governing body for international shooting sports within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Rifleman Review: Rock River Arms LAR-15M .17 HMR

Building a reliable semi-automatic rifle chambered for the .17 HMR can be a challenge, but Rock River Arms seems to have solved the issue with its unique RRA .17 HMR AR-style rifle.

New For 2025: Tanfoglio Hexagon Tactical & Hexagon P

Tanfoglio manufactures CZ 75 pattern pistols in a variety of forms, and for 2025, the company is adding two new variants to its lineup with the Hexagon Tactical and Hexagon P.

See New Guns & Gear At The NRA's Annual Meetings In Georgia

Freedom-loving American patriots gather every spring at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits to celebrate their liberty and check out the newest crop of guns, optics, ammunition and accessories. This year, 2025, the fun will take place in Atlanta, Ga.—we hope to see you there!

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.