Anyways, I'm leaving May 3 and coming back on the 27th. My only plans so far are basically a week at the Royal Armouries, a week at the Wallace Collection, and a week in Vienna. I may also go from Vienna down to Churburg. I'm entirely open to suggestions of where to go or what to do. I'm going to be travelling alone so I don't have any sort of schedule to stick to.

Thanks.

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Michael Shedden

Usually these people have very tight schedules, so a person has to get something set-up in advance if they want to actually handle any of the pieces. Normally they are only able to spare an hour or so. The Royal Armouries is currently undergoing a complete re-cataloguing of their pieces, so they are extremely busy at the moment. The Wallace has an exhibition coming up, so David is busier than he usually is, which I didn't think was possible.

This isn't meant to take the wind out of your sails, I just want to make sure you have all your ducks in a row first, so you don't end up disapointed.

I've already spoken with David Edge, and he has informed me about how busy he will be in May. He said he will help me out if he can.

I was going to go in June to see the new exibition and Count von Freyburg's nice new voiders , but my plane ticket ended up costing several hundred dollars less if I go in May.

Until now, I was unsure about who to contact at the Royal Armouries, I appreciate the info. I do indeed want to contact as many people as possible, as soon as I can.

BTW, you didn't "take wind out of my sails", I'm going to try and arrange some hands-on viewing, but there is no way I could be disappointed with this trip. Whether I touch it or not, I will be absolutely thrilled to view this armour.

Thanks.

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Michael Shedden

Churburg Castle, the most impressive collection I ever saw. I haven't been to the Isles yet, but definetely a must see

Zwinger Dresden: I do not know how much of the collection they have on display right now. but I will check if you want to go there

Royal Arms and Armor Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark

Just a few suggestions... if you want more I can get them for you. I can also get you accomodations at private places just about anywhere in Germany, so that may help you save some money.

Take care

1)Rothenburg ob der Tauber (sometimes Rothenburg o.T), the town itself being a fairly nice medieval town with the town walls still intact, beautiful buildings, really nice. My suggestions for local museums are at first the "Reichsstädtisches Museum", which hosts a formerly private and well looked-after collection of arms and armour. About ten minutes walk away from this is the "Kriminalmuseum" boasting a huge selection of torturing instruments and judificial swords. Both are well worth a visit.
Be warned, most of the time the town is crowded with Japanese and American tourists;o)

2)Nürnberg (Nuremberg). The "Germanisches Nationalmuseum" has a nice collection of arms and armour (among which are a few very well preserved Gestech armours). The museum covers most of german history in all aspects of life, especially worth a visit are the instruments collection, the collection of medieval art, the collection of furniture-you´ll need about two to three days to enjoy it completely;o)
Recently, the arms and armour collection has been split, and a huge bulk of our beloved metal has moved to the "Kaiserburg". The castle alone is worth a visit, but with the arms and armour exhibition instaled it´s almost like paradise.
Nuremberg itself in some parts is pretty well preserved as well.

3)Coburg, "Veste Coburg". A Castle, modified again and again from the middle ages to the 30 Years War, as far as I know never run over. Inside this castle is a huge collection of arms and armour and a nice selection of medieval art.

4)Erbach, "Schloss Erbach". Huge Collection of hunting rifles (starting with wheellock items), several nice single items in the rooms like a VERY nice little Stiletto or a crossbow windlass, several crossbows and so on. And- there´s a hall of armour boasting LOTS of two-handed swords. Many nice Things in the collection, but the armour is mostly 17th century.

5) Hechingen, "Schloss Hohenzollern". The building has been rebuilt in the 19th century and looks pretty "Cinderella-esque", but the wall paintings, despite being 19th century romanticism, are worth a visit.

6) Sigmaringen, "Schloss Sigmaringen" Another 19th century rebuilt one, but boasting one of Europe´s biggest private collections of arms and armour.
WARNING!Talk to the Curate before, normally they chase you through the building within 45 min. which gives you a glimpse of about 10 min. in the armoury.

My personal favourites.
If you need details, mail me.
Regards

Ivo

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I've been trying to work out the logistics of my trip, and unfortunately I don't think I'll be spending any time in Germany. I'm going to be taking the bus directly from London to Vienna. I'm also definately going to visit Churburg.

The Arsenal in Graz, would be neat but the entire purpose of my trip is to study 15th century stuff.

I'm trying to make this as inexpensive as possible. I've already got a free place to stay in London and in Leeds, I figure I'll stay in a cheap Hostel in Austria, and I'll sleep on the ground outside Churburg if I have to

Thanks

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Michael Shedden

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Doug Strong
doug-strong@comcast.net

http://armourresearchsociety.org

for details.

I firmly believe that if you contact them beforehand about an individual visit (as they ask you to do on th epage) and tell them what you want to see and do you can probably do a more intense study of the armoury. All it usually takes is asking.

I have tried to contact Churburg but havn't gotten a reply through email yet.

I'll give it until Monday, and then I'll try phoning. I want to make sure and get all the details sorted out before I leave.

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Michael Shedden

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