By Hermann Hampe and Jean Varret
Details
Description
Deadly Beauties: Rare German Handguns, Volume 1: 1871–1914, Pre-World War I
Volume 1 begins with the unification of Germany in 1871 and follows the extraordinary development of German handguns through the eve of World War I. Drawn from some of the world's most prestigious collections, the pistols featured in this volume include exceptionally rare, historically significant, and often priceless examples, many published here for the first time.
Specially commissioned color photography reveals the mechanical ingenuity, fine engraving, intricate ornamentation, and superb workmanship that made German handguns of this period both advanced weapons and objects of art. Pistols by Luger, Walther, Mauser, and other important makers are represented, including presentation arms associated with aristocrats and heads of state.
Rare prototypes document important steps in the evolution of semiautomatic-pistol design, while military-trials pistols illustrate the handgun's transformation into an effective modern service weapon. For collectors, historians, and students of firearms design, this volume offers an unusually detailed view of the formative decades of the German pistol.
Deadly Beauties: Rare German Handguns, Volume 2: 1914–1945, World War I, Weimar, and Third Reich
Volume 2 continues the story through World War I, the Weimar Republic, and the Third Reich. It presents exceptional German handguns from one of the most consequential periods in firearms history, again drawing upon prestigious collections and using specially commissioned color photography to display their design, finish, markings, engraving, and ornamentation in remarkable detail.
Important pistols by Luger, Walther, Mauser, and other manufacturers appear alongside presentation arms once owned by aristocrats and heads of state. Rare prototypes demonstrate technical innovations that influenced later handgun design, while military-trials pistols trace the continuing development and adoption of the semiautomatic service pistol.
Together, the two hardbound volumes span the years 1871–1945 and contain 768 pages with 790 color images. The set combines serious historical and technical reference value with the visual appeal of a fine-art firearms collection, making it an outstanding addition to the library of any advanced collector, historian, or enthusiast of German handguns.
Notes
The buyer will receive a Deadly Beauties: Rare German Handguns 2-volume set identical to the set described above and shown in the photos below. Please feel free to contact me through the marketplace messaging system with any questions.
Above images: Photos of a Deadly Beauties: Rare German Handguns 2-volume set exactly like the one the buyer will receive.
All photos and original text Copyright © 2026 by Phil Steinschneider and Cool F/X™