ANTIQUE GUNS AND GUN COLLECTING

FREDERICK WILKINSON

HAMLYN
1974

'Interest in firearms as collectors' pieces the author points out, is no new fad, for they have been collected almost from the time that they were first invented in the 14th century. But for 500 years it was an interest that only few people could indulge, and it is only recently that the man in the street has taken up this absorbing hobby.

Prices of firearms can be astronomical, but with some know-how, and a feeling for workmanship of the mechanisms and of the decoration that only practice will bring, the beginner can start an interesting collection without spending a fortune. This book has been specially written to help the inexperienced and starts with the basic problem of how, where and what to collect. The second chapter is a short history of firearms, followed by the main part of the book - a description of the different types of gun - matchlocks, wheellocks, flintlocks, pocket pistols, blunderbusses, duelling pistols, revolvers, and many others - how they can be recognised, the various styles of decoration, whether they are much sought after and therefore expensive, and so on. The final chapter is on how to research the collection, including how to strip a gun.

The book is illustrated with 32 colour plates and 64 black and white illustrations, nearly all of weapons published here for the first time.

The author, Frederick Wilkinson, makes an ideal guide for the beginner: a well known lecturer and writer on guns, he is also President of the Arms and Armour Society.

29 x 21 cm. 96 pp.

Very good condition. Dust jacket faded on the spine and along the front top edge (Now in protective cover). Page edges slightly age toned but otherwise clean and tidy.