George Cameron Stone wrote this in his venerable volume in 1934, which still serves as the backbone of most collectors of arms:
"...as with other subjects the pioneer writers made many mistakes, most of which have been corrected by those who came later; but many have been copied and reprinted as though proved, Much has been published about arms and armour that is very contradictory. Not only do different writers disagree with each other, but the frequently disagree with themselves and call the same things by different names, and different things by the same one. ".
Stone undertook a huge challenge in compiling his vastly comprehensive volume, but clearly understood that his work would not resolve many of these dilemmas, but would serve as a benchmark which would note the status quo on many of them. He wrote:
"...I am fully aware that this book is far from complete or perfect, but I trust that it may be an incentive to some one better qualified than I to write another on similar lines that will give more accurate information".
This is the kind of scholar Jens is, and what he is describing in his inimitable sage words.
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