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Some potentially useful
information.
• List of pre-ban vs. post-ban AR-15 serial numbers - AR-15
Pre/Post Ban Serial Number List
• List of DWM headstamp/catalog numbers - DWM Cartridge
ID numbers
• List of US Military Ammunition Nomenclasture (
M118-7.62 Match,
M199-Dummy 5.56
, etc.) - US
Military Ammo Nomenclature
Recommended Reading:
Standard
Catalog Of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Ed.
By Jim Supica & Rick Nahaus
Published by Gun Digest Books
Library of Congress Catalog # 2005931490
ISBN 13-digit #978-0-89689-293-4
ISBN 10-digit #0-89689-293-X
This it the third edition of what is widely accepted
to be the definitive reference book on the subject of Smith &
Wesson firearms.
The authors present the individual guns and their
variations in a clear and accessible format that benefits both the
layman and the serious researcher. Market prices, always a bugaboo in
any book of this sort, are as can be expected; good for the exact
moment the book was sent to the printers, but subject to regional
variations and dated by the time the book leaves the publisher. This is
not a criticism, as a sharp reader can use these figures as a starting
point and then factor in relevant variables and make an educated
estimate of value.
A welcome addition to the third edition has been the
inclusion of small 'chapters' by knowledgable collectors that shed more
light on specific aspects of S&W that might not otherwise be
known. These small (and some not so small) chapters deal with grips and
boxes as well as special variations.
The quality, quantity and variety of the images
exceed the first two editions handily. In fact the third edition is
easily twice as long as the now scarce first edition. The wide variety
of images, even within a single variation of one model, show that as
the books effects on the S&W collecting fraternity are felt, it has
become a feather in the cap of serious collectors to have one of their
prized pieces appear in this book.
In addition to the specifics on different models,
the book also has an excellent series of serial number tables, a guide
to S&W belt buckles and knives and a chapter dealing with S&W
publications.
U.S. Military
Holsters And Pistol Cartridge Boxes
By Edward Scott Meadows
Printed by Taylor Publishing Co.
Library of Congress Catalog # 87-060002
ISBN 10-digit #0-9618191-0-3
This is probably one of the best books available for
information on US military holsters.
The book is well laid out, with seperate chapters
for percussion guns holsters, single action revolver holsters,
automatic holsters, etc. Within each larger catagory are several
sub-chapters dealing with issue holsters, experimental holsters, etc.
Just about every holster described is accompanied by
a forensic-type photograph of the holster aand in many cases, period
photos of the holster in use. This can be especially helpful, as it
allows the reader to see how the holster was actually used vs. how it was supposed
to be used. Each holster is also accompanied, where available, with an
estimate of total production figures, allowing one to gauge the
scarcity and to an extent, value.
In addition, many holsters are accompanied by copies
of the original pattern drawing, allowing for the manufacture of
replacement parts or even whole holsters.
One thing that is
especially interesting and that
elevates this from being a simple, though superbly executed, catalog of
holsters is the frequesnt and timely use of quotes from Ordnance Dept
documents and other sources. Often, these provide a glimpse of what the
military was looking for and what problems they were trying to address.
The chapters dealing with
cartridge boxes are as equally well documented and laid out, but the
primary focus of the book is on the holsters.
One HUndred
Years Of Winchester Cartridge Boxes 1856-1956
By Ray T. Gile & Daniel L. Shuey
Published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
Library of Congress Catalog # 2006934838
ISBN 10-digit #0-7643-2541-8
In the used gun market, the guns seldom come in by
themselves. Almost always they are accompanied by a couple of partial
boxes of am, a case or sling and perhaps most of a cleaning kit. A
by-product of this is that most collectors accumulate a sizeable
collection of old amo boxes and invariably the question "What're these
worth?" come up.
In the case of Winchester ammo, the answer can be
found using Gile and Shueys' excellent reference book.
The first thing one notices about the book is that
the image is presented in a very straightforward almost clinical
manner. This is a presentation that really appeals to me.
Each box of cartridges is perfectly depicted in
color and, where applicable, extreme closeups show the minor variations
that can be the difference between a coomon specimen and a rare one.
The book is broken into chapters headed by rifle
models rather than calibers. A reader wanting to look up .44-40 ammo
would have to look up the Model 1892 chapter. I would prefer that the
Chapters be broken up by caliber, but I can see where the current way
of doing it makes some sense.
The introduction explains condition and rarity
scales, box styles, and touches on what makes some boxes more valuable
or more collectable (not always the same thing!).
I must confess that when I first got this book I had
purchased it simply to help me ID and date boxes in my collection. It
wasn't until I had a chance to really read it in depth that I even
realized it covered prices.
While shotshell boxes and .22 boxes have been
somewhat addressed by other writers, the other calibers have been
neglected. This book does a fantastic job of providing details on
Winchesters centerfire rifle calibers.
This is definitely a must have book for any
collector.
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