One of the first monumental works devoted to the history of hand weapons from ancient times to the 19th century and written in Russian. Over the 130 years that have passed since its first publication, the book has not lost its relevance and significance, becoming a classic that has been reprinted several times. Based on many collections in Russian museums and foreign collections, P. P. von Winkler traces the evolution of weapons from Paleolithic and Neolithic weapons, weapons of the Egyptians, Celts, Greeks, Romans and Germans to European weapons of the Middle Ages and Modern times. The main material is devoted to individual offensive and defensive weapons, mainly melee weapons and armor (with a description of the characteristic differences of certain types and functional features of the component parts), information is also included on throwing weapons, including firearms. In addition to describing the samples, important attention is paid to production technologies, as well as methods of finishing and decoration. Separate chapters are devoted to the evolution of weapons in the East and in Russia (from the 10th to the 17th centuries). The book pays attention to the technology of weapons making: it talks about weapon marks, brands and famous weapons workshops. The chapter, which provides an overview of the author's most important contemporary weapons collections and formulates the rules and principles for the storage, distribution and restoration of weapons in collections, has an important historical significance. The publication is equipped with a large number of black and white drawings and color illustrations.