(Krause Publications, Iola, Wisconsin, 1994). Quarto. 511 pages, index.Illustrated throughout in color and in black and white. Houze was the former Curator of the Winchester Arms Company. Besides full access to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and the Olin Corporation, the author was able to consult with each major institution that had important records. Two major friends of firearms helped research and underwrite his travel and research. This work is so extensively documented and profusely illustrated with photographs of Winchester history that it is unlikely to be superseded. Bound in glossy pictorial paper covered boards, lettering in red and black. A fine sharp cornered copy.
London and Pennsylvania; (1975): Arms and Armour Press/Stackpole Books. Octavo. 378pp., illustrated. This detailed history of the development of the automatic pistol is recognized as the standard study of the subject. There is an extensive chapter on ammunition, giving details of performances and velocities and the problems associated with the compatibility of various rounds with specific mechanisms. This edition is reprinted from the 1943 edition with new material and photographs. Bound in maroon paper covered boards, spine lettering gilt, a very good copy in somewhat edge worn and chipped pictorial dust jacket.
London: Printed for the Trustees By William Clowes, 1962. Octavo. In two volumes. The Wallace Collection which was initially formed by Richard, fourth Marques of Hertford (1800-1870) was vastly increased by his son Sir Richard Wallace (1818-1890). While some are traced to much earlier family members, it was the later members who made this the great collection it is. The first volume presents the earliest French, German and English work including helmets, horse armor and a glossary. 1-239 pages, followed by 104 plates. Volume two 240-714 has pistols, staff weapons, swords, bolt belts, etc., followed by 103 plates. The total for both volumes is 208 photographs. Since many plates have five or six images, there are an estimated 1,100 images all told. Bound in full green faux leather, spines lettered in gilt, one corner on volume two bumped. A very nice, clean bright set.
Washingon, DC: National Rifle Association, 1924. First Edition. Quarto. 124 pages of text, 126 pages of glossy Black and White images of the rifles as well as tools used in their production, early advertisements, etc. The extensive photographs of the variations of the Kentucky rifle are the reason this work has never been superseded. Laid in is a letter dated September 20, 1928 from the National Rifle Association to William C. Schwab of New York City with a desire to discuss together again the fine points of the Kentucky Rifle. Only 550 were bound of this first edition. Bound in blue cloth pictorially stamped and lettered in gilt, spine plain, light rubbing front cover, two bumped corners, spine evenly faded, scattered foxing to title page only. Typed letter laid in from the National Rifle Association of America. A very good copy. [Howes D-342].
Washington, D.C.1882 and 1883: Ordance Office, War Department. Quarto. Together three items. No. 173- 22pp.; No. 198- 11(1)pp. and No. 323-23pp. and 3 folding plates at rear. The invention of the machine gun clearly would be a weapon that could revolutionize warfare. These issues are drawn from the Army's examination of the various weapons for use in the Indian wars. Initially, they were dismissed since the Indians did not fight from fixed positions. Here they are in order of issue: No. 173, Machine guns: Their status in warfare. They begin with information from Gatlin, Col. H. Fletcher of the Scots Guards; and others As well as their relation to Nordenfeldts, or those of Hotchkiss. On p. 11, R.J. Gatling defends his guns as superior in speed and accuracy, offering a prize to those who use Gardners or any other. Much of what was being debated was answered a little more than a generation later as World War I began. No. 198 Machine-guns and how to use them (June, 1882). This article was written by W. Gardner and includes one plate. Again the theory was problematic as debated by leading generals. The last (no. 323) is the most important and is written by Captain Lord Charles W.D. Beresford and simply entitled: Machine Guns. A chart shows how the Gatling, Gardiner, Nordenfelt compare with others, Three nice folding charts show how the Nordenfelt was used by the Navy, along with images of the Hotchkiss and the Gatling. Each string bound.
1 typed letter signed from Ellis Christian Lenz (whose book Muzzle Flashes became a classic). This letter is a follow up on Jim Carmichael's artilce on cast bullet loads for the larger cartridge case. He writes: Dear Neal, I am doing an artilce ..on a muzzle loading rifle and pistol of unconventional design. The usual external hammer is eliminated (he goes on to give dimensions). What makes this also of great significance is he includes two photographs of the pieces. He signs merely as Ellis. While Neal Knox is known primarily for his major role as the executive director of the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA), the lobbying arm of the NRA, his earlier work as founding editor of Rifle Magazine made him the ideal person both as firearms enthusiast and crusader against gun control.
Huntington, West Virginia; (1944): Standard Publications. First Edition. Large Octavo. 823 pages, index. hundreds of illustrations by the author. One of finest books on the subject. For the serious collector of gun books this was the first great illustrated edition that also covered even minor phases of firearms development. Besides providing a pedigree for modern firearms, he has provided a myriad of details neglected in more general works. The biographies of many famous early gun-makers through the early 20th Century make this book a pleasure to read as well as to use as an invaluable reference source. A near fine copy bound in blue cloth lettered and decorated in gilt, spine lettering gilt, in pictorial dust jacket with a few chips to spine ends, and corners.
Livonia, Ny: R and r Books, 1992. Quarto. Reprint of the 1953 edition (continued from title) of the nineteenth century, noting their significance and values for shooters and collectors of antique arms and flasks. 495pp. with an introductory chapter by Harold L. Peterson, chief, h8istorical investigations branch, National Park Service. Not only is this a book about flask but also treats expertly of shot pouches, cappers, chargers, measures; of flask patent drawings from Europe and America, of exactly how to buy and sell flask' and how to photograph, record and display a collection. A fine copy bound in black-green paper covered boards lettered in gilt, spine lettering gilt, in a fine dust jacket.
Harrman, TN; (1966): Pioneer Press. Octavo. 128pp., inscribed by the author to Barry Goldwater, with Arizona Historical Foundation plate with gift of Goldwaters . This is the most complete and most practical guide to success as a collector of old guns. It offers the know-how and the do-how of successful collecting, It explains the history and the meaning of gun collecting and has a mine of valuable information. A near fine copy bound in maroon cloth lettered in gilt, spine plain, in unclipped dust jacket with a couple of chips along upper edge.
Cobour, Ontario, Canada: Collector Grade Publications, 2004. Quarto. Vol. I. 400 pages; Index, bibliographic references, p. 393-400. Vol. II, 375 pages. Volume I is a beautiful later printing originally published in 1987 edition while Volume II is the first edition, second printing. These books are from a series of books published between 1979 and 2004. They comprise the most important reference work on the M 16 which amid controversy has been the longest-serving should arm in US history. Today is the center of a thriving, multi-million dollar industry involving numerous companies and military agencies. This book chronicles all the later generation rifle and carbine models which have been introduced by Colt and Diemaco and describes the myriad enhanced sights and rails systems which still contributes to what makes the MC 16 the most versatile, modular and effective combat weapons in the world. It also includes a section on those that intended only for law enforcement with details on the 222 Remington and its successors. Both volumes bound in black morocco, spine lettering gilt, Illustrations on end papers. A fine set. Complete sets are uncommon.
London: W.H. Allen, 1884. Octavo. viii, 136pp. illustrated by the author with 6 plates of engravings. His long service in India involved both military and hunting adventures. Besides his engraving of an Indian camp and one of quail hunting in India, there are four showing rifles with detailed information. In addition, there are in text notes on specific use of firearms. This took place after the Indian Mutiny but it affects much of his details. He discusses the new Martini-Henry, the Colt, and effectiveness in battles as well as for hunting. Besides the forty-four page list books published by Allen on India and firearms, there are ads on many firearms popular in the English empire from Colt, Reilly's Hammerless Guns, and various ads for special ammunitions. A very good copy bound in green cloth lettered and ruled in gilt, spine lettering gilt, endpapers are gray pictorial ads. Some soiling and a couple of scratches to upper board.
New York: Doubleday and Co, 1962. First Edition. Quarto. 160pp., A lavishly illustrated guide to the weapons and equipment used by the Blue and Gray. This is a book of how and with what. The why, where and when of the War have been amply discussed before. Knowledge of the weapons and equipment used in the War sheds new light on the tactics and strategy. Bound in beige cloth backed in black cloth, lettering gilt, pictorial endpapers. A near fine copy in clipped pictorial dust jacket with some rubbing.
Peoria, Illinois: Primedia, 1998. 0blong Quarto. vii, 312 pages; illustrations (chiefly color); bibliography; chart, facsimiles, portraits. Still in original shrinkwrap this is a pristine, unopened copy. The volume has details found nowhere else. The periods cover are: Arthur W. Wheaton, the Early Years, 1816-1855, The E. Remington & sons, 1956-1865, than the period after the Civil War (including the rolling block years); the Union Metallic Cartridge Company, finally, after covering the period between the two World Wars there is his history of modern sporting arms and the future for hunters, shooters, and collectors. This is the Official Authorized History of Remington Arms Company which accounts for the quality of the production. Essential for the firearms collector.
Np; (1999): Republic Publishing Co., Inc. First Edition. Quarto. Limited edition with limitation page laid in and signed by Joseph A. Murphy and R.L. Wilson. This is copy #1689 of 3000 copies. 248pp., The Dr. Murphy collection is the finest comprehensive group of percussion Colt firearms ever assembled. The author features presentation examples, engravings by several craftsmen, and combination of finished, grips, casings and accessories. Beautifully illustrated in color and in black & white, bound in maroon cloth lettered i gilt, in pictorial dust jacket. A fine, pristine copy just out of original shrink wrap.
Lausanne, 1972. Hardcover. Near Fine. Quarto. 254p. While often shooting matches are often seen in terms of the Olmpics, the Swiss have held such events for centuries and the first engraved are from the early 1600's. The metals were struck in various metals with size and metal noted here. The book also adds material never before published.
Boston & New York: Bradlee Whildden, 1894. Octavo. A new edition. An account of the development of pistols and revolvers in America; description of the varieties manufactured; manner of shooting them work accomplished with these arms; departments of pistol and revolver shooting; impressions formed by studying these arms; and rules governing pistol and revolver competitions. Illustrated, 222pp., (10)pages of illustrated ads at rear, bound in publisher's brown cloth lettered in gilt, spine lettering gilt, floral endpapers, corners lightly bumped, tiny white spot to spine, a very nice clean copy.
Np. (1957): Fadco Publishing Co. First Edition. Octavo. Twelve chapters list 130 variations of the commonest of all of Colt's revolvers with serial numbers and various specifications to tell which gun a collector had or learn how to locate a rarity. 150pp., bound in yellow pictorial cloth depicting two crossed guns in brown, spine lettering brown previous owner's name, a very good copy in unclipped, rubbed and chipped dust jacket.
Columbia, S. Carolina; 1975 & 1976: Privately By the Author. First Editions. Quarto. In two volumes, 343, 352pp., illustrated,. This work has been compiled to serve as a useful and authoritative reference on the blades of Nazi Germany and can be used by the beginner or seasoned collector. Bound in beige cloth lettered in red, slight bumping of a few corners, Volume one has a bit of finger soiling. A very good set in unclipped pictorial dust jackets, jackets rubbed an with few small chips.
North Cape Publications, 2001. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. 440p. The definitive work on the M1903 with many photographs (some in color).
Thomas Nelson, 1974. Octavo. 156p. index. The best guide to the seven point system of firearms identification. Prepared for law enforcement, this guide also is useful to the collector or museum devoted to firearms. The hardcover is now scarce.
