European Armour (1951 First Edition) – V&A Museum Guide – From the Library of Brian A. Gostick

A well-preserved 1951 first-edition softcover copy of J. F. Hayward's foundational handbook, European Armour, published on behalf of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The guide acts as an authoritative overview of the museum’s world-renowned historical armaments collection.

It includes concise historical text accompanied by beautifully rendered photographic plates detailing iconic 14th to 17th-century European craftsmanship, including German tilt-jousting close helmets and matching battle chanfrons (horse armor facings) from the famous armouries of Augsburg.

The cover features the legendary 1572 Renaissance trophy display engraving "Panoplia sev armamentarium" by Hans Vredeman de Vries.

This specific copy features a notable provenance connection for militaria collectors.

The inside cover contains the neatly handwritten ownership signature of Brian A. Gostick, an esteemed 20th-century armour enthusiast and long-standing member of The Arms and Armour Society in London.

The inscription is sharply dated "15-XII-60" (December 15, 1960), indicating it was acquired and studied within a decade of its publication, making it an excellent piece of postwar British arms collecting lineage.

The book is in a very Good given its age.

The original buff-coloured card cover remains clean and securely attached.

Minimal edge wear, light creasing, and natural age-toning typical of 1950s paper stocks.

The pages and internal illustration plates are bright, tight, and exceptionally crisp.

Free from any modern highlighter marks, stains or structural splits.

Contains the aforementioned vintage ink signature of Brian A. Gostick to the upper corner of the inside front wrapper; no other writing or stamps are present.

It measures 214mm x 136mm.

 The photographs are of the actual item and form part of the description.

 Please examine the photographs carefully and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.