Tailored to the Times: The Story of Casimir Zeglen’s Silk Bullet-Proof Vest

Abstract

The invention of silk bullet-proof fabric, a response to growing violence and anarchy, and intended to protect politicians and public figures, as well as police officers and soldiers, is discussed in the wider context of the world’s political situation at the turn of the 19th century. The complex question of the ownership of this innovation is addressed and the reasons for its commercial failure are discussed. The ballistic properties of silk bullet-proof fabric are evaluated and the impact of this invention on the future development of soft armours is considered.     

Mass-Produced Pre-Han Chinese Bronze Crossbow Triggers: Unparalleled Manufacturing Technology in the Ancient World

Abstract

After an introduction to pre-Han and Han bronze crossbow triggers and bronze casting in China, these ancient mechanisms are examined from an engineering and manufacturing perspective. These triggers have been identified (Yates 2007) as the first mass-produced interchangeable military artefact. This examination shows that the sophisticated design of the mechanism clearly took manufacture into account and leads to the hypothesis that the key component of the mechanism, the nut, was specifically designed to be made by the stack moulding process identified by Barnard and Tamotsu 1975 as a technique ‘unparalleled in the ancient world’.     

The Archduke and the Bullet-Proof Vest: 19th-Century Innovation Versus 20th-Century Firepower

Abstract

To substantiate or otherwise the historical rumours that claim that the Archduke Franz Ferdinand failed to wear a piece of silk bullet-proof body armour on the day of his assassination, 28 June 1914, the likelihood of the Archduke possessing this invention is assessed and its composition and design is considered. The capabilities of such armours, the brainchild of priest-turned-inventor Casimir Zeglen, against the FN Browning Model 1910, in .380 ACP, the same model of self-loading pistol used to assassinate Franz Ferdinand, were tested.