Civil War Blacksmithing: Constructing Cannon Wheels, Traveling Forge, Knives, and Other Projects and Information in Bloomington, MN

This is a book likely to appeal to anyone interested in the history and skills of blacksmithing, students of the US Civil War, historical technology buffs, and presenters at living history events. Because modern smiths have become increasingly specialized, it is unlikely that any one author will ever again be able to present this wide range of information in a single book. The book shares some previously unpublished techniques and information obtained from retired wheelwrights who no longer feel the need to protect their trade secrets. This book progresses from an introductory overview of simple skills to projects of increasing difficulty and complexity, culminating in a detailed step-by-step illustrated description of the construction of Civil War period No. 1 Army cannon wheels. The construction of cannon wheels and other projects and tools are illustrated with numerous photographs, diagrams and tables. Also included within the book is information about the evolution and reproduction of a mid-1800s wheeled U.S. army traveling forge, an introduction to making knives and damascus, how to make ironwork often purchased by reenactors, and other useful period information.