One of the first monumental works devoted to the history of handguns from ancient times to the 19th century and written in Russian. In the 130 years since its first publication, the book has not lost its relevance and significance, becoming repeatedly reprinted classics. 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 the New Age. The main material is devoted to individual offensive and defensive weapons, mainly edged weapons and armor (describing the characteristic differences of certain types and functional features of components), information about throwing weapons, including firearms, is also included. In addition to describing samples, an important place is given to production technologies, as well as methods of decoration and decoration. Separate chapters are devoted to the evolution of weapons in the East and in Russia (from the X to the XVII century). The book pays attention to weapons techniques: it tells about weapons stamps, brands and famous weapons workshops. The chapter has important historical significance, which gives an overview of the most important modern weapons collections to the author and formulates the rules and principles for storing, distributing and restoring weapons in collections. The publication is equipped with a large number of black and white drawings and color illustrations.