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Chapter IV

The Arms Library

The importance of a few basic titles to start the neophyte on the right foot has been discussed. As the collector progresses, he will soon find his greatest asset to be a good arms library, coupled with the knowledge of how to use it. Very likely this is one of the most underestimated and underutilized of all natural resources in collecting; whether in firearms or any other hobby. Research works are of key importance to the gun trader and the collector alike; especially so in this day and age with the strong competition prevalent. Utilizing the facts and minutiae gleaned from those reference works is very much analogous to separating the men from the boys on today’s gun market. Just about everybody knows the basics, but the fine points—that’s where some get lazy or lethargic, and that’s where some of the biggest bargains, and even “sleepers” can still be found. Normally a collector’s astuteness is in direct proportion to his reading list. Reading chapter and verse of most reference books is unnecessary, but one should at least be familiar with the general content and coverage of as many of the gun books as possible. Not all arms books are worthy of purchase. As a matter of fact, considerable misinformation and unsubstantiated facts are to be found between the covers of many titles, and hence, discretion must be used in their purchase. Following published reviews or seeking advice and opinions from knowledgeable fellow collectors is the best way of judging a book’s value; the unworthy ones usually have acquired a reputation that precedes them.

In recent years the book market has been flooded with elegant examples of the publisher’s art, exemplified by massive tomes illustrating exquisite arms from many leading museums and collections. Often derisively termed “coffee-table” editions, they are most often seen available during the height of the pre-Christmas selling frenzy when the gift-book market is at its peak and the book buyers sense of judgment and discretion is often at its lowest! These books are quite aptly named; first, they are so damned big they rarely fit on a library shelf, and thus the only place to put them is on a coffee table. Secondly, that position seems to be their chief redeeming value (as if some status symbol) where they may be idly thumbed through to admire the handsome photography. It would be unfair to condemn them all, but the majority contain quite elementary texts and the guns illustrated are very often repeated book after book. The profusion of these volumes is becoming tiresome, and the collector (and his relatives too!) is warned to exercise judgment before laying out large sums for the coffee table titles. An observation of this aspect of the gun book market reveals that most are issued at very high prices and within a year are generally remaindered at prices substantially below the original retail. For the casual or even active gun trader such picture books do not offer much other than a few moments of idle musing.

Quite often gun books are themselves good investments. It is an interesting fact and one quite consistent over the years that many titles, especially those that are considered standard reference works or basic to various specialties, become more valuable the moment they go out of print. Quite a few arms books are published in limited quantities by small publishing firms or privately printed by the authors themselves.

In many instances once the first edition is out of print, there is little chance that the title will ever become available again. In such cases the price often can increase, two, three or four times over; based not on rare book status, but on the value of its information to the collector. Of course, in a great many instances the publisher does reprint the book if it has proved to be popular; but with present day publishing in a volatile state, one never knows if a book will ever come back once it is out of print. These remarks are not intended to spark any speculation in book buying (sometimes a hazardous game), but they do reflect the fact that arms books are worthy purchases from the financial standpoint as well as the literary.

A few dealers specialize in gun books and issue annual catalogs describing their complete stock. The annual edition of Gun Digest includes a detailed section covering most books currently in print on the subject of collecting as well as shooting, repairing, etc., antique and modern guns; also listed are various dealers handling these titles.

NOTE: Separate bibliographies are included with each chapter of this work covering books pertaining specifically to those respective sections. The following listings include titles of broad introductory nature and detailed studies of general interest.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Achtermeier, Wm. Rhode Island Arms Makers & Gunsmiths 1643-1883. Providence, Rhode Island: Man-at-Arms Publication, 1980. Covers makers from Colonial times to the demise of the Providence Tool Co., Rhode Island’s largest maker in 1883.

*Adler, Dennis. Metallic Cartridge Conversions. The History of the Guns and Modern Reproductions. Iola, Wis. Krause Publications, 2003. Alterations, factory and otherwise, of percussion firearms (especially strong on Colts and Remingtons) from percussion to breech-loading cartridge.

*Adler, Dennis. Blue Book of Airguns. Minneapolis, Minn: Blue Book Pubs., 2001. Background of history and development; coverage essentially those of the post-1900 era (over 50 mfrs. and their products listed and valued).

Akehurst, R. Antique Weapons For Pleasure And Investment. New York: Arco Publishing Co., 1969. Advice on where and how to buy, points that affect values and hints on restoration.

Akehurst, R. The World Of Guns. London: Hamlyn Publishing Group, 1972. A broad general survey of all types of antique guns.

Amber, John T. (Compiler) Ten Rare Gun Catalogs 1860-1899. New York: Greenberg Pub., 1952. Exact reprints of ten famous American makers, including: “Winchester, 1875 & 1885 editions; Whitney Arms Co., 1878; S & W c. 1882; Wm. Wurfflein, Phila 1889; Parker Bros. c. 1899 and arms dealer G. W. Clafin & Co. 1886; J. H. Johnston, 1895.”

Bailey, D. W., Hogg, I., Boothroyd, G. and Wilkinson, F. Guns And Gun Collecting. New York: Crown Publishing, 1972. Very fine color plates illustrating seven articles on various aspects of collecting.

*Baldwin, John. Indian Guns, Spears and Shields of the American Frontier. W. Olive, Mich. Early American Artistry Pub. Co., 2002.

Barnett, J.P. The Life Saving Guns of David Lyle. South Bend, Indiana: Town & Country Press, 1976.

Bennett, S. and Worthen, W.B. Arkansas Made 1819-1870 Volume I. Fayetteville, Ark: University of Arkansas, 1990. Highly important, well-illustrated chapter on history of gunmaking and gunmakers in that state.

Bilby, Joseph G. Civil War Firearms…Their Historical Background, Tactical Use and Modern Collecting and Shooting. Conshohocken, Pa.: Combined Pub. Co., 1996. Merges technical data with details of their use on battlefield; a unit-by-unit study and how their performance and employment differed from popular conceptions.

Bingham, R.W. Early Buffalo Gunsmiths. Buffalo, N.Y.: Buffalo Historical Society, 1934. Monograph.

Blackmore, H. L. Guns And Rifles Of The World. New York: Viking Press, 1965. An excellent history of antique guns by an highly acclaimed author. Heavily illustrated with guns of all countries.

Blair, C. European And American Arms c.1100-1850. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1962. Very broad scope and coverage by a noted authority. Blair, C. Pistols Of The World. New York: Viking Press, 1968. An important treatise on the handgun; covers all types of all countries 16th to 20th centuries. Heavily illustrated.

Boddington, C. America: The Men & Their Guns That Made Her Great. Los Angeles, California: Peterson Publishing Co., 1981. Sixteen respected historians and firearms experts discuss how the development of weapons technology shaped American history in some famous as well as some little known incidents.

Boehret, P.C. Arming The Troops 1775-1815: Arms Makers & Comments. Easton, PA: Hobson Printing Co., 1967.

*Boorman, Dean K. Guns of the Old West; an Illustrated History. Guilford, Conn.: Lyons Press, 2002. An overview of the significant types of firearms used on the Western frontier beginning with Louisiana Purchase to c. 1890s.

Boothroyd, G. The Handgun. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1970. A massive sized study of the evolution of handguns from matchlocks to automatics. Illustrating guns of all countries.

Bowman, H. W. Famous Guns From The Smithsonian Collection. New York: Arco Publishing Co., 1967. Informative text and illustrations on patent legislation, inventors, unique weapons and a wealth of historic detail, anecdotes, legends from this famous National collection.

Bowman, H. W. Famous Guns From The Winchester Collection. New York: Arco Publishing Co., 1958. One of America’s most noted collections, the author has selected a group of outstanding specimens from flintlock to repeating rifles.

*Browning, J. and Gentry, Curt. John M. Browning, American Gunmaker. New York: Doubleday & Co., 1964; Browning Company, 1987. Biography of this famed inventor and his guns.

Buehr, W. Firearms. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 1967. Written for the novice; a quickly and easily read survey of history of guns, from handguns to cannon.

Butler, D. F. United States Firearms-The First Century 1776-1875. New York: Winchester Press, 1971. Account of design evolution of American small arms.

Byron, D. Gunmarks. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1979. Tradenames, codemarks and proofs from 1870 to the present.

*Canfield, Bruce. U.S. Infantry Weapons of the First World War. Lincoln, R.I: Andrew Mowbray Publishers, 2000.

Carey, A. M. American Firearms Makers. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 1953. Listing of makers from Colonial period to end of 19th century with data on each. Widely used reference.

*Carman, W. Y. A History of Firearms from Earliest Times to 1914. Mineola, N.Y.: Dover Pub., Inc., 2004. Reprint of earlier 1955 work. Contains some useful references and entertaining anecdotes.

Chapel, C. E. The Complete Book Of Gun Collecting. New York: Coward-McCann, Inc., 1939, 1947, 1960. Answers a great many questions about collecting; especially useful to the new collector.

Chapel, C. E. The Gun Collector’s Handbook Of Values. New York: Coward-McCann & Geoghegan, Inc., 1940, 1947 and numerous later revised editions. A pioneer work in the field of antique gun collecting. The first major attempt to codify, list and value a great many antique guns.

Chapel, C. E. Guns Of The Old West. New York: Coward-McCann, Inc., 1961. History and details of American firearms 18th and 19th centuries which opened the frontiers beyond the Alleghenies to the securing of territory to the West Coast.

Chinn, Col. George M. The Machine Gun; History, Evolution & Development of Manual, Automatic & Airborn Repeating Weapons. Washington, D.C.: Bureau of Ordnance, U.S. Navy, 1951. Vol. I of multi-volume set important for coverage of Gatling and other early U.S. types.

Cook, Grafton. A.W. Spies: Importer, Outfitter & Fireman. Niles, Mich.: Privately printed monograph, 1999. History of well known N.Y. arms dealer c. 1820’s-1870’s.

*Curtis, Chris C. Systeme Lefaucheux: Continuing the Study of Pinfire Cartridge Arms [and] Their Role in the American Civil War. Santa Ana, Calif.: Arms Lore Press, 2002.

*Demeritt, D. P., Jr. Maine Made Guns And Their Makers. Hallowell, Maine: Maine State Museum, 1973. Well researched and illustrated treatise on all types of arms produced in Maine. Revised, enlarged, 1997.

Dexter, F. Theodore. Thirty-Five Years’ Scrapbook of Antique Arms. Topeka, Kansas: published by author, 1947. Two volumes. Includes many illus. and details of American and European guns including values as of 1947. Informative; interesting.

Dexter, F. Theodore. Forty-Two Years’ Scrapbook of Rare Ancient Firearms. Los Angeles, Calif.: W. F. Lewis Publisher, 1954. Profuse photo illus. includes many rare American and European arms and their market values.

Deyrup, F. J. Arms Makers Of The Connecticut Valley. Northampton, Massachusetts: Smith College, 1948. Study of the economic development of the small arms industry 1798-1870.

*Dorsey, R. Stephen Guns of the Western Indian War. Eugene, Oregon: Collectors Library, 1995. Illus. & details of the many and various used by the “hostiles” and U.S. issued.

duMont, J. S. Custer Battle Guns. Ft. Collins, Colorado: The Old Army Press, 1974. Very important reference for all types of guns used by both sides in that historic encounter.

*Dunathan, A. T. The American B.B. Gun. South Brunswick, New Jersey: A. S. Barnes & Company, 1971. Basic guide to the field.

*Edwards, W. B. Civil War Guns. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: The Stackpole Company, 1962. A classic and standard reference on the subject. The complete story of Federal and Confederate handguns and longarms and the many foreign imported types. Reprinted 1997, Thomas Pub., Gettysburg, PA.

Elman, R. Fired In Anger. New York: Doubleday & Co., Inc., 1968. The personal handguns of American heroes and villains from the gun used by Columbus through the guns of Indians, lawmen, bandits and assassins.

Farley, Captain J. P. Army Revolvers and Gatling Guns. Springfield, Massachusetts: National Armory, 1875. Reprint Circa 1960s. Official manual of Colt Single Action, S& W Schofield and the Gatling.

*Farrington, D. P. Arming & Equipping the U.S. Cavalry 1865-1902. Lincoln, Rhode Island: Mowbray Publishers, 2004. The firearms, edged weapons and accoutrements of the regular U.S. Cavalry from the Indian Wars to the Philippine Insurrection.

*Frey, Stephen. Imported Military Firearms 1866-1899. Pub. by author, Atlanta, Ga.; paper covers; plastic ring-bound. Lists and describes military arms of 17 foreign countries imported as “surplus” to sell on American market (through firms such as the famous Francis Bannerman of New York).

Ferree, G.B. Ferree Family Gunsmiths. F. Wayne, Ind.: privately printed, 1967. Noted family of Penna-Ky. riflesmiths.

Frith, J. and Andrews, R. Antique Pistol Collecting. London: The Holland Press, 1960. Evolution of handguns from hand cannon of 15th century to revolvers of mid-19th century.

*Frost, H. G. Blades & Barrels. El Paso, Texas: Walloon Press, 1972. Complete coverage of all combination firearms with knife or sword blades attached including many American specimens.

Fryer, D. J. Antique Weapons A-Z. London: G. Bell & Sons Ltd., 1969. General survey of collecting arms of all types from all parts of the world. Written as a guide for the novice.

*Garavaglia, L. A. and Worman, C. G. Firearms of the American West 1803-1865. Albuquerque, New Mexico: University of New Mexico Press, 1984. One of the most important works on subject. Wealth of detail. Reprinted 1997; U. of Colorado Press.

*Garavaglia, L. A. and Worman, C. G. Firearms of the American West 1866-1894. Albuquerque, New Mexico: University of New Mexico Press, 1985. Companion work of the above. Basic reference. Reprinted 1997; Univ. of Colorado Press.

Gardner, R. E. Five Centuries of Gunsmiths, Swordsmiths And Armourers 1400-1900. Columbus, Ohio: Walter F. Heer Publisher, 1948. Important early listing of makers of all countries. Contains some material (such as cannon founders of America) which his later book Small Arms Makers does not have.

Gardner, R. E. Small Arms Makers. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1963. A very important, often referred to, listing of American and European gun and sword makers with biographical detail.

*Gilkerson, William. Boarders Away. Lincoln, R.I.: Mowbray Publishers. Vol. I (1991). Edged Weapons and Polearms. Vol. II (1993). Firearms of the Age of Fighting Sail 1626-1826. Superb coverage. Most definitive on the subject with special attention to eras of American Revolution and War of 1812.

Gluckman, A. and Satterlee, L. D. American Gun Makers. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: The Stackpole Co., 1953. A widely used, often referred to important listing of American gun makers 18th to 20th centuries with much data about them.

*Gooding, S. James. Trade Guns of the Hudson’s Bay Company, 1670-1970. Alexandria Bay, N.Y.: (now the Museum Restoration Service) 2003. Definitive study of their various forms, manufacture and distribution; specialty weapons including pistols, fine guns, rifles and buccaneer guns also discussed.

*Gorman, Kit. New Orleans Gunsmiths and Gun Dealers Until 1900. Batchelor, Louisiana: P. Bazer Pub., 2006.

Greener, W. W. The Gun And Its Development. New York: Bonanza Books, 1967 Reprint. An exact reprint of the most important 9th Edition (1910) of an all time classic work, as important and useful today as when it was originally printed.

*Greener, W. W. Modern Breech-Loaders: Sporting and Military. Forest Grove, Oregon: Normount Technical Publications, 1971. Reprint of the 1871 classic; a leading treatise of breechloaders of all types—shotguns, rifles and handguns.

*Groenewold, John. Quackenbush Guns. Mundelein, Illinois: pub. by author, 2000. Detailed study of famed maker responsible for earliest development of mass-produced airguns for short-range target and small game shooting; 1871-1943.

*Hamilton, T. M. Colonial Frontier Guns. Chadron, Nebraska: The Fur Press, 1981. Covers English, French, Dutch Frontier and trade guns; accounts of gunsmithing on frontier; studies of gun flints and shot sizes.

*Hamilton, T.M. Firearms on the Frontier: Guns at Fort Michilimackinac 1715-1781. Williamston, Mich.: monograph by Mackinac Island State Park Commission, 1976.

Hanson, Charles E., Jr. The Northwest Gun. Lincoln, Nebraska: Nebraska State Historical Society, 1955. Most significant treatise on Indian trade guns.

*Hanson, James A. A History of the Fur Trade: When Skins Were Money. Chadron, Nebraska: Museum of the Fur Trade, 2005. Includes information on Indian trade guns.

Hartzler, D. D. Arms Makers of Maryland. York, Pennsylvania: George Shumway Publisher, 1977. Excellent, detailed coverage of 18th and 19th century makers; military and sporting.

*Hartzler, D.D. & Whisker, J.B. Gunsmiths of Maryland: Firelock Colonial Period Through Breech-Loading Patent Models; Featuring Longrifles. Bedford, Pa.: Old Bedford Village Press, 1998.

Haynes, C. Vance General Custer & His Sporting Rifles. Tuscon, Arizona: Westernlore Press, 1996. History of his tow “trap door” Springfield sporters and Remington rolling block.

Hayward, J. F. The Art Of The Gunmaker. Volume I: 1500-1660; Volume II: 1660-1830. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1962, 1963. Important and often cited reference works. Detailed history European and American firearms; emphasis on techniques and styles of armament.

Heer, Eugene. Der Neue Stockel, Vols. I through III, Switzerland: Swiss Institute of Arms & Armor. Best and most often cited bibliography of makers. Over 2100 pages; 6500 maker’s marks illustrated; 36,000 individual entries of gunmakers, gun stockers, decorators and designers from 1400 to WWI from 32 Nations. Many American makers included. Vol. III contains glossary and dictionary in English, French, German.

Held, R. The Age Of Firearms. Rev. Ed. Northfield, Ill.: DBI Books, Inc., 1970. A well-illustrated history of firearms from the invention of gunpowder to modern breechloaders.

Henderson, J. Firearms Collecting For Amateurs. London: Frederick Muller Ltd., 1966. A small, general overall survey of collecting with history of guns and advice on care, maintenance and display.

Hiller, Dennis E. The Collectors’ Guide to Air Rifles (revised, enlarged Fourth Edition). Preston, U.K.: published by author, 1995.

Himmelwright, A.L.A. Pistol and Revolver Shooting. New York: Macmillan Company 1904, 1908, 1915, 1923, 1933. Important reference for American handgun target shoots and competitions 19th to early 20th century with the American (some European) handguns of famous makers used by the contestants.

Horn, W. R. Gunsmiths And Gunmakers Of Vermont. Burlington, Vermont: The Horn Company, 1976. A partial checklist from 18th century to 1900. Illustrations of arms and facsimiles of makers labels.

Hughes, J. B., Jr. Mexican Military Arms; The Cartridge. 1866-1967. Houston, Texas: Deep River Armory, 1968. Good details on American arms by various makers purchased and issued and Mexican military markings on them.

Hutslar, Donald A. Ohio Gunsmiths & Allied Tradesmen. Beverly, Ohio: Association of Ohio Longrifle Collectors. 5 Volumes, 1996-1998. Remarkable coverage.

*Irwin, John R. Guns & Gunmaking Tools of Southern Appalachia. Norris, Tennessee: Museum of Appalachia 1981. Locally known as the “squirrel” or “hog” rifle. These often highly accurate, graceful and serviceable arms were made in the mold of the traditional “Pennsylvania” rifle though simply embellished.

*Jenkins, Bill. U.S. Military Match and Marksmanship Automatic Pistols. Lincoln, R.I.: Mowbray Publishing, 2005.

Johnson, C. L. A Checklist of 18th and 19th Century Illinois Gunsmiths. York, Pennsylvania: George Shumway Publisher, 1974. Names, dates and locations of 630 Illinois makers. 2^nd Edition 1982.

*Karcheski, W. J., Jr. Selections from the Frazier Historical Arms Museum. Louisville, Ky.: pub. by the museum, 2004. Illustrated survey of the fabulous, ever-enlarging collections of this newly formed, increasingly popular institution, rapidly becoming among most prominent in its field. Catalog; paper covers.

Kauffman, H. J. Early American Gunsmiths 1650-1850. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: The Stackpole Co., 1952. Important listing of early American makers with illustrations of makers labels and guns.

*Katcher, Philip. Sharpshooters of the American Civil War 1861-65. Oxford, England: Osprey Publ., 2002. Close look at recruiting, training, deployment and the specialized military and civilian type rifles used.

Kennedy, David. Guns of the Wild West; A Photographic Tour of the Guns that Shaped our Country’s History. Philadelphia, Pa.: Courage Books, 2005.

*Kirkland, K. America’s Premier Gunmakers—Browning. New York: 1989.

Koller, L. The Fireside Book Of Guns. New York: The Ridge Press, 1959. History of firearms in America from the first explorers to modern sportsmen. Elegantly illustrated.

*Lewis, M.H. The Gunsmiths of Manhattan 1625-1900: A Checklist of Tradesmen. Alexandria Bay, N.Y.: Museum Restoration Service monograph, 1991.

Lewis, Jack. Gun Digest Book of Single Action Revolvers. Northfield, Illinois: DBI Books, 1982. Explores the history, folklore and fascination of the single action; written with the collector in mind.

Lindert, Albert W. Gunmakers of Indiana. Homewood, Illinois, 1968: Privately published by author.

Lindsay, Merrill. The Lure of Antique Arms. New York: David McKay Co., Inc., 1978. Excellent handbook for beginning American gun collectors.

*Macewicz J. P. American Handgun Patents 1802-1924. Bloomfield, Ontario, Canada: Museum Restoration Service, 1977. Often a key to identifying firearms. Lists over 1300 patents in chronological/numerical order; cross-indexed to the inventors.

Madaus, H. N. The Warner Collector’s Guide to American Longarms. New York: Warner Books, 1981. Over 500 different shotguns muskets, rifles and carbines are described by maker, age, mountings and markings. Each arm assigned alphabet letter designation reflecting relative rarity and survival rate.

*Malloy, J. J., Thomas, D. S., White, T. A. Percussion Ammunition Packets: Union, Confederate and European. Gettysburg, Pa.: Thomas Publications, 2003. A remarkable study along with profuse illustrations of the various labeled packets of ammunition that accompanied American percussion handguns and rifles; also government-issued, labeled packages of paper-wrapped cartridges.

Marsh, R.E. & Flanagan, M.W. Trap Guns for Pocket Gophers & Moles: A Collectors Manual. Davis, Cal.: Privately printed, 1999.

*McAulay, John D. Civil War Small Arms Of The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Lincoln, R.I.: Andrew Mowbray Publishers, 1999.

McLean, D. B. (Editor). The 1873 ‘Trapdoor’ Springfield Rifle and Carbine & .45 Revolvers: Colt’s M1873 & S & W Schofield. Forest Grove, Ore.: Normount Armament Co., 1969. Paper cover pamphlet; illustrations and information from the original manuals. (Especially fine detail for the Springfield “Trapdoor.”)

Moore, W. Guns - The Development Of Firearms, Air Guns And Cartridges. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1963. A general survey of antique guns told in pictures.

*Mowbray, Stuart C. 331+ Essential Tips and Tricks: A How-to Guide for the Gun Collector: A Practical Approach to Buying, Maintaining, Storage, Display, Photography and Much More. Woonsocket, R.I: Mowbray Pub., 2006. Even includes specific instructions for detecting fakes and refinishing, alarms and insurance for the gun room and much more. Profusely illustrated.

Murry, Ellen N. Code of Honor; Deuling in America. Washington, Texas: Star of Republic Museum, 1984. Monograph, catalog of American duelling pistols.

National Rifle Association. NRA Gun Collector’s Guide. Washington, D. C.: National Rifle Association, 1972. 75 of the best articles on gun collecting that appeared in the American Rifleman 1955 to 1970. A book of high value to the gun collector.

*Noe, D., Yantz, L.W., & Whisker, J.B. Firearms From Europe: A History & Description Of Firearms Imported During The American Civil War By The United States And Confederate States. Rochester, N.Y.: Rowe Publications, 1999.

*O’Meara, Robert H. The Guns of the Gunfighters: Lawmen, Outlaws & Hollywood Cowboys. Iola, Wis.: Krause Pub., 2003. Guns are illustrated with contemporary photographs and brief biographies of the men that carried them.

*O’Neal, Bill. Encyclopedia of Western Gunfighters. Norman, Okla.: University of Oklahoma Press, 1979 (hard cover; later editions paper cover). Details on 255 gunmen, their aliases, occupations; brief biographies and accounts of verified gunfights (chronologically).

Parsons, John E. and DuMont, John S. Firearms in the Custer Battle. Harrisburg, Penna.: Stackpole Company, 1953. A significant reference to the subject.

Paul, V.A. Missouri Gunsmiths To 1900. Washington, Missouri: Obscure Place Pub. Co., 2000.

Peterson, H. L. Encyclopedia Of Firearms. New York: E. P. Dutton & Co., Inc. 1964. A wealth of information on a variety of topics from 14th century hand cannon to 20th century Lewis gun.

Peterson, H. L. and Elman, R. The Great Guns. New York: Grosset & Dunlop, Inc. and The Ridge Press, 1971. Well prepared, elegantly illustrated history from hand cannon to modern Colts and Winchesters.

Peterson, H. L. Pageant Of The Gun. New York: Doubleday & Co., Inc., 1967. An informative history of firearms conveying the excitement and drama of ten centuries of arms development. 55 greatly varied stories covering such subjects as whaling guns, fowlers, duellers, target shooting, etc.

Peterson, H. L. The Treasury Of The Gun. New York: Ridge Press/ Golden Press, 1962. Magnificently illustrated story of six centuries of gun development. American and European guns associated with historic events.

Phillips, H. & Tyler, T. Vermont’s Gunsmiths & Gunmakers to 1900. Dorset, Vermont: Two Damn Yankees Pub., 2000. Includes inventors, patentees of firearms and accountrements, manufactories and armories.

Phillips, Roger F. and Klancher, Donald J. Bloomfield, Ontario, Canada: Museum Restoration Service, 1982. Numerous weapons were American.

*Pitman, General John. The Pitman Notes on U.S. Martial Small Arms and Ammunition 1776-1933. Vol. I Breech-Loading Carbines of U.S. Civil War. Armory Publications: Tacoma, Washington 1987. Vol. II Revolvers and Automatic Pistols Thomas Publications: Gettysburg, Pa. 1990. Vol. III U.S. Breechloading Rifles and Carbines, Cal. 45. Thomas Publications 1991. Vol. IV U.S. Magazine Rifles and Carbines Caliber .30. Vol. V Miscellaneous Notes Caliber .58, 50, 30; Confederate and Foreign. Significant research material from previously unpublished manuscripts; exceptional drawings by U.S. Army Ordnance officer with 40 year career.

Pollard, H. B. C. A History Of Firearms. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1926. A significant early work for collectors; small arms of all types and countries from 14th to 19th century.

*Pritchard, Russ A., Jr. Civil War Weapons and Equipment. Guilford, Conn.: Lyons Press, 2003. Broad, generalized survey; profusely illustrated.

*Rattenbury, Richard. Packing Iron; Gunleather of the Frontier West. Milward, N.Y.: Zon Int’l Pub. Co., 1993. For the military and Western collector a superbly illus., yet serious, detailed study.

Riling, R. Guns And Shooting, A Selected Chronological Bibliography. New York: Greenberg: Publisher, 1951. Listing of 3,000 American and foreign books on guns and shooting 16th through 20^th century. Valuable reference for arms collector.

*Rosa, J. G. Guns of the American West. London, England: Arms & Armour Press, 1985. General survey for the popular market.

*Rosa, Joseph Age of the Gunfighter; Men & Weapons on the Frontier, 1840-1900. N.Y. City: Smithmark Publications, 1993. Fascinating reading & illus.; overall general survey of gun types.

Rosa, J. G. & May, R. The Pleasure Of Guns. London: Octopus Books, 1974. Very general survey of antique arms with numerous color illustrations.

Rosebush, W. E. American Firearms and the Changing Frontier. Spokane, Washington: Eastern Washington State Historical Society, 1962. Use of specific types of firearms in American frontier expansion from the Black Hawk War through conquest of California.

Rosebush, W. E. Frontier Steel, The Men And Their Weapons. Appleton, Wisconsin: C. C. Nelson Publishing Co., 1958. Covers the period from the Black Hawk War through the Mexican War and the Conquest of California.

*Russell, C. P. Firearms, Traps And Tools Of The Mountain Men. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1967, and reprinted by the University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1977. A guide to the equipment of the trappers and fur traders who opened the West from the 1820s to the 1840s.

Russell, C. P. Guns On The Early Frontiers. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1957, Reprint 1980, University of Nebraska. A history of firearms from Colonial times through the years of the Western fur trade.

Rywell, M. Gun Collectors’ Guide. Harriman, Tennessee: Pioneer Press, 1955, 1961, 1965. General introduction to the hobby answering many questions often asked by the neophyte. Subtitled “Old Guns for Profit.”

Satterlee, L. D. (Compiler). Ten Old Gun Catalogs. Chicago: Gun Digest Association, Inc., 1962. Exact reprint of the original catalogs of American makers and dealers: Merrill, 1864; Peabody, 1865, 1866; Henry, 1865; Spencer, 1866; National, 1865; Folsom, 1869; Great Western, 1871; James Brown, 1876; Homer Fisher, 1880; Remington, 1877.

Satterlee, L.D. Catalog of Firearms for the Collector. Detroit: Private Published, 1927, 2nd Edition, 1939. Among earliest, pioneer attempts to codify antique firearms; emphasis on American.

Satterlee, L. D. Fourteen Old Gun Catalogs for the Collector. Chicago, Ill.: Gun Digest Association, 1962. (Reprint of limited 1940 ed.) Includes Maynard catalog, 1885; Ballard & Marlin catalog 1888; Stevens catalog 1888; Stevens-Pope, 1902; Colt catalog 1896; plus eight Sharps catalogs 1859 to 1880. Important basic tool for the collector, student.

Sawyer, C. W. Firearms In American History 1600 To 1800. Boston: Privately published by the author, 1910. The first important reference on Colonial American arms. Still considered a classic.

Sawyer, C. W. Firearms In American History - Volume Two - The Revolver. Boston: The Arms Company, 1911. One of the primary works on American revolving handguns and longarms.

Sawyer, C. W. Our Rifles. Boston: The Cornhill Company, 1920. One of the very first and important reference works on American longarms of all periods. For many years a basic reference source.

Schroeder, J. J., Jr. (Editor). Gun Collector’s Digest. Northbrook, Illinois: DBI Books, Inc., Vol. I, 1974, Vol. II, 1977, 3rd Edition, 1981, 4th Edition, 1985, 5th Edition, 1989. Compilations of illustrated articles on a great many phases of gun collecting.

*Schwing, N. Standard Catalog of Firearms. Iola, Wisc: Krause Publications, 11th Edition, 2001. Identification & values modern European & American plus many antique American arms. Principles and fairness demand it be listed; vanity ... and ego ... insist it’s not comparable to FLAYDERMAN’S GUIDE!!

*Sellers, Frank M. American Gunsmiths. Highland Park, New Jersey: The Gun Room Press, 1983. Basic reference. Over 19,000 listings: gunmakers, patentees, gunsmiths.

Serven, J. E. (Editor). The Collecting Of Guns. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: The Stackpole Company, 1964. Recommended for novice and expert alike. 33 chapter tour of the gun collecting world with chapters on individual collecting fields. Almost exclusively devoted to American arms.

Serven, J. E. Conquering The Frontiers. La Habra, California: Foundation Press, 1974. Stories of American Pioneers and the guns which helped them establish a new life.

Serven, J. E. Two Hundred Years Of American Firearms. Northfield, Illinois: DBI Books, Inc., 1975. A history of American made guns and their influence on the nation’s growth.

*Shaffer, Rutledge and Dorsey. Gun Tools; Their History and Identification. Eugene, Oregon: Collectors Library Pub., 1992. First lengthy, detailed listing all known U.S. issue and factory made tools to accompany firearms. Vol. II, 1997, Dorsey & Shaffer.

Sharpe, P. B. The Rifle In America. New York: William Morrow & Company, 1938: Funk and Wagnalls Company, 1947 and subsequent editions. A milestone in arms books. A classic with a wealth of data on most American makes; especially strong on cartridge models by Winchester, Stevens, Ballard, Marlin, Mossberg, Savage, etc.

*Shelton, L. P. California Gunsmiths 1846-1900. Fair Oaks, California: Far West Publishers, 1977. Five hundred California makers listed.

*Sherayko, Peter. Tombstone: The Guns and Gear. Shadow Hills, Cal.: Caravan West Productions, 2005. Firearms, saddlery, clothing used in Tombstone during its heyday.

Shields, J. W., Jr. From Flintlock To M1. New York: Coward-McCann, 1954. History of American longarms; almost entirely devoted towards military models.

*Smith, Graham. Warman’s Civil War Weapons. Iola, Wisc.: Krause Pub., 2005. Over 300 color illus. of five categories of handguns, carbines, rifles, muskets (plus swords and edged weapons) with specifications for each (not a price guide); alphabetically arranged.

*Smith, Gene P. and Curtis, Chris C. The Pinfire System. San Francisco, Cal.: Bushman-Brashaw Pub. Co., 1983. Includes information of American interest especially those pinfires purchased and used during the Civil War.

Smith, W. H. B. Gas, Air & Spring Guns of the World. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Telegraph Press, 1957. Basic reference.

*Springfield Research Service. Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms. Vol. I (1983). Vol. II (1986). Vol. III (1990). Vol. IV (1995) and quarterly newsletters. Silver Spring, Maryland: Springfield Research Service. Vast wealth of information on government purchased arms from Civil War through 20th century.

Steindler, R. A. The Firearms Dictionary. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books, 1970. Defines, explains, illustrates phrases, terms, nomenclature and terminology of firearms, ammunition, accessories and gun repair techniques.

Steinwedel, L. W. The Gun Collector’s Fact Book. New York: Arco Publishing Company, 1975. A general guide; where and how to buy antique arms; what affects value; hints on restoration.

Suydam, Charles R. Bulls-Eyes and Sharpshooters. American Society of Arms Collectors: Reprint as a monograph from their bulletin No. 62 (1990). Covers the little known, accurate, noiseless, small, indoor target pistols.

*Swinney, H. J. The New York State Firearms Trade. Maynardsville, Tenn.: T. Rowe Pub., 2006. A remarkable five-volume set with thousands of illus. A unique undertaking alphabetical listing (with details) of all gunsmiths, gunmakers, agents, manufacturers, importers, patentees of NY State; Volume V devoted entirely to New York City. A treasure house of valuable information; there is nothing quite its equal in scope.

Swinney, H. T. New York State Gunmakers. Cooperstown, New York: Freeman’s Journal Press, 1951. Checklist of New York gunsmiths and manufacturers. Some biographical detail.

*Taffin, John. Single Action Sixguns. Iola, Wisc.: F & W Publications, 2006. From percussion revolvers to modern-day manufacturers.

Taylerson, A. W. F. The Revolver. New York: Crown Publishers (Volume I: “1818-1865;” Pub. 1968; Vol. II “1865-1888;” Pub. 1966; Vol. III “1889-1914;” Pub. 1971.) A classic work on all types of revolvers; much on American-made models.

Taylerson, A. W. F. Revolving Arms. New York: Walker & Company, 1967. History of mechanically-rotated revolving cylinder firearms in England, on the continent and in the United States from their inception to present day.

Tunis, E. Weapons - A Pictorial History. Cleveland & New York: World Publishing Company, 1954. A broad overall survey of weapons of all types from Roman times to World War II.

Trefethen, J. B. (Compiler) and Serven, J. E. (Editor). Americans And Their Guns. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books. The history of the National Rifle Association.

U. S. Cartridge Company’s Collection of Firearms. Old Greenwich, Connecticut: We, Inc., circa, 1970s. Reprint of the original catalog circa 1920s of one of the most famed early collections of antique firearms; many specimens of which appear on the market in this era.

United States Martial Collectors Arms. San Jose, California: Military Arms Research Service, 1977. Highly informative, lengthy list of 850 U.S. inspectors and their marks, serial numbers and production quantities for approximately 70 U.S. pistols, rifles and commemorative firearms, etc., circa 1800s to present day.

VanRensselaer, S. American Firearms. Watkins Glen, New York: Century House, 1947. An important and widely used listing of American gunsmiths and arms manufacturers and patentees with descriptions of their arms.

*Walter, John. The Greenhill Dictionary of Guns and Gunmakers. London, England: Greenhill Books, 2001 (also Stackpole Books, Penna.). From Colt’s first patent to present day, 1836-2001. Military small arms, sporting arms, airguns; designers, mfrs, inventors, trademarks, etc.

West, B. Savage and Stevens Arms & History. Azusa, Cal.: published by author, 1971.

West, B. Browning Arms & History. Azusa, Cal.: Published by author, 1972.

*Whisker, J.B., Bryan, G., Russo, L., McKnight, R. Gunsmiths of the Carolinas 1660-1870. Bedford, Pa.: Old Bedford Village Press, 1994.

Whisker, James B. Arms Makers of Colonial America. Selinsgrove, Pa.: Susquhanna University Press, 1992.

Whisker, James B. The Gunsmith’s Trade. Lewiston, N.Y.: E. Mellon Press 1992. Sociological study.

Whisker, James B. Arms Makers of Philadelphia. Privately published circa 1990. Monograph; Paper covers.

Whisker, James B. Arms Makers of Pennsylvania. Selinsgrove, Pa: Susquehanna Univ. Press, 1990. Detailed listing of makers to 1900 with emphasis on Kentucky rifles.

Whisker, James B. Gunsmiths of Virginia. Bedford, Pa: Old Bedford Village Press, 1993.

Wilkinson, F. Antique Firearms. New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1969, and reprinted by the Presidio Press, San Rafael, California, 1978. Traces the history of firearms from 14th century to modern repeating rifles.

*Wilson, R.L. The Peacemakers; Arms and Adventure in the American West. New York, N.Y. Random House, 1992. Most lavishly illustrated, fascinating work yet devoted to the subject. Highly recommended.

Wilson, R. L. (Editor). Antique Arms Annual. Waco, Texas: Antique Arms Annual Corporation, 1971. One of the most ambitious undertakings in antique arms publishing. Important articles by noted arms authorities. Lavish illustrations of exceptional American arms.

Wilson, R. L. L. D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver. Teaneck, New Jersey: John J. Malloy Publisher, 1965 (reprint 1993). The personal records and patterns of one of the most noted of all early American gun engravers who worked for over one hundred different makers including Allen, Colt, Winchester, Remington, Sharps, Smith & Wesson, Ballard and many others.

*Wilson, R. L. Steel Canvas; The Art of American Arms. N.Y. City: Random House, 1995. Lavishly produced, important study of the very finest of American arms; all types; all eras.

*Wilson, R. L. Ruger & His Guns; History of the Man, the Company & the Firearms. N.Y. City: Simon Schuster, 1996.

Wilson, R. L. Price Guide to Gun Collecting. New York: Ballentine Publishing Group. First edition 1998.

*Wilson, R. L. Silk and Steel: Women at Arms. New York: Random House Pub., 2003. A unique work and reference with profuse illus of European and American women (most 19th to early 20th centuries), from all walks of life, as exhibition, professional and sporting fields of shooting…and their guns; includes those courageous ladies in the military and at war; lady gunmakers, engravers, collectors and those of Wild West show fame.

Winant, Lewis. Firearms Curiosa. New York: Greenburg Publisher, 1955 (with many subsequent reprints). Classic guide to all the strange, freakish and combination type weapons including many of American origin.

Winant, L. Early Percussion Firearms. New York: William Morrow & Company, 1959. A history of early percussion firearms ignition from Forsyth to Winchester 44-40. An often cited work.

*Winter, Frederick R. U.S. Naval Handguns 1808-1911. Lincoln, R.I.: Mowbray Publishers 1990.

*Wolff, Eldon G. Air Guns. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Milwaukee Public Museum, 1958. The most important treatise on the subject; 15th to 19th centuries.

*Worman, Charles G. Gunsmoke and Saddle Leather: Firearms in the 19th Century American West. Albuquerque, N.M.: Univ. of N.M. Press, 2005. Massive in size and information by noted arms authority and researcher. Chapters dedicated to many different phases of Western history and development including others for Winchesters, Colts, Sharps and more.

Worman, Charles G. “Firearms in American History. A Guide for Writers, Curators and General Readers.” Yardley, Pa.: Westholm Pub., 2007. Development and use of them from the 16th through end of 19th century. Highly recommended.

The William M. Locke Collection. East Point, Georgia: The Antique Armory, Inc., 1973. A highly important, copiously illustrated catalog of one of the most important and famous American arms collections.

-----Guns at the Little Bighorn. Lincoln, R.I.: Mowbray, Inc., 1988. A monograph with reprint of six articles from Man-At-Arms.

-----The Rifle 1885-1888. Reprint by Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington N.C. 1990 in two volumes of the complete four year run of the first magazine (published monthly) devoted to shooting sports in U.S. Wealth of detailed text, illus, ads on all makes American arms.

-----Shooting and Fishing 1886-1906. Reprint in three volumes plus index, 1991 by Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, N.C. of the thirty volumes of monthly magazines that succeeded “The Rifle.” Significant references.

*-----Cody Firearms Museum Official Guide Cody, Wyoming: Buffalo Bill Historical Center, 1991. Also distributed by Mowbray Publishers, Lincoln, R.I.

-----Gun Report Index June 1955 to May, 1990. Aledo, Illinois: Gun Report, 1996. Index to 35 years of articles on antique arms.

*-----Guns of the Gunfighters. Los Angeles: Petersen Publishing Co., 1975. From Wild Bill Hickok to Bonnie & Clyde. Paper covers.

-----Henry of Boulton; A Pennsylvania Gunmaking Family & Its Firearms. Nazareth, Pa.: Jacobsburg Historical Society, 1988. Famous makers; good for military & Indian trade gun research. Paper covers; monograph.

-----Indian Trade Guns. Union City, Tenn.: Pioneer Press, 1982. Compilation of various historical society archeological research papers and other information that supplements Hansen’s N.W. Gun.

*-----Man At Arms 15 Year Index 1979-1993. Lincoln, R.I.: A. Mowbray Publishers, 1993.

-----Digest of Advertising For Firearms & Ammunition 1873-1940. 2 Vols. Canton, Conn.: Armsco Press, 1998.

-----Longarms In America. Vol. I & II. American Society Of Arms Collectors. Compilation by G.E. Weatherly of 98 articles from the A.S.A.C. Bulletins. 1998.

*-----Civil War Arms Makers And Their Contracts. Lincoln, R.I.: A Mowbray Pub., 1998. Facsimile reprint of original 1862 Ordnance Dept. reports. Edited by S. Mowbray & J. Heroux. Important basic research source; wealth or original data.

*-----Civil War Arms Purchases And Deliveries. Lincoln, R.I.: A. Mowbray Pub. 2000. Edited by S. Mowbray. Significant basic research source; vast amount of data.

-----John M. Browning Armory. Ogden, Utah: Browning Arms Co., 1960 pamphlet with history of the famous firm.

-----A History of Browning Guns from 1831. St. Louis, Mo.: Browning Arms Co., 1942, pamphlet; soft cover; 60 pages.

-----U.S. Military Arms; Dates of Manufacture from 1795. Brownsboro, Texas: Art and Reference House Pub., 1989. Small pocket guide with soft covers categorically listing handguns and longarms by U.S. arsenals and commercial manufacturers.

PERIODICALS

Armax ... Journal of the Cody Firearms Museum Published semi-annually by the Museum c/o Buffalo Bill Historical Center, P.O. Box 1000, Cody, Wyoming, 82414.

American Rifleman Published monthly by The National Rifle Association of America, 1600 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036

The two most widely read often cited journals almost exclusively devoted to antique arms:

The Gun Report

Published monthly by World-Wide Gun Report, Inc., P.O. Box 111, Aledo, Illinois 61231. Vol. I, No. 1, June, 1955 to present.

Man-At-Arms

Published bi-monthly by Man-At-Arms Magazine, 54 East School St., Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895. Vol. I, No. 1, Jan. 1979 to present.

Other periodicals that have played a role in the history of antique arms collecting:

Arms Gazette

Wallace Beinfeld, Editor. Los Angeles, Cal.: W. Beinfeld Publishing. Vol. I, No. 1 Sept. 1973 to Vol. VIII, 1980.

The American Arms Collector

Hugh Benet, Editor. Towson, Maryland. Collectors’ Press, Inc. Vol. I, No. 1 Jan., 1957 to Vol. II, No. 4 Oct. 1958.

Gun Collectors Letter

(changed in 1947 to The Gun Collector). Charter Harrison, Editor and publisher, Madison, Wisconsin. Issue No. 1 Oct., 1946 to Issue No. 48 in 1953. Influential series.

The Gun Report

F.W. Funk & R.E. Patterson, Editors. Akron, Ohio: Gun Report, Inc., Pub. Vol. I, No. 1 Nov., 1939 to Vol. III, No. 6 April, 1942.

Magazine Of Antique Firearms

G.E. Brown, Editor. Athens, Tenn.: J.N. Clements, Publisher. Vol. I, No. 1 April, 1911 to Vol. IV, No.2 Aug., 1912.

Stock And Steel

F. Theodore Dexter, Editor. Marshalltown, Iowa: Associated Firearm Collectors of America Pub. Vol. I March 23, 1923 to Vol. I, No. 5 July, 1923. The first of a long list of arms publications by this noted commission dealer. All that followed were sales oriented.

Texas Gun Collector

Published by the Texas Gun Collectors Association, Houston, Texas. Various editors over their long run from August, 1950 to present day.

(Top) Left Side: Inscribed “Shooting The Tiger With The Single Shooter” depicts four hunters: one being eaten by a tiger; two others running frightened pursued by tigers; another in background taking aim with a “single shooter.”

(Bottom) Right Side: Inscribed “Winchester Repeating Rifle” depicts well dressed gentlemen hunter with binoculars while Chinese servant stands by holding his Winchester rifle and two dead tigers to one side. Signed in four places by the famous Winchester engraver C. F. Ulrich.

(N. Flayderman & Co. Catalog No. 100. Oct., 1976.)

(*) Preceding a title indicates the book is currently in print.