Black Powder Revolvers - Replica Guide

[Coot]

There is a 2008 guide/history entitled "Black Powder Revolvers - Reproductions & Replicas" by Alder out. Has anyone seen this book? Do you recommend it as an in-depth look or is it just a coffee table picture book?

 

[Happydog]

It is available on Amazon.com. Post back what you think of it if you get it.

 

[bprevolver]

This book is actually a reprint of Adler's first book with the addition of information about the percussion revolver conversions to cartridge. It is very good for its photography and Colt info, but, like the other edition, it does not cover the other, most produced replica percussion revolvers. If you are interested in the Colt modern production revolvers then the only book you will need is Dennis Russell's book, "Percussion Colt Revolvers-The Second Generation-Collector's Handbook & Price Guide".

After seventeen years of research and collecting I still do not feel confident to publish our book because of the new information that comes to light virtually everyday. The RPRCA has around 850 revolvers in its collection and I have been able to observe and examine literally thousands of these revolvers over the past 17yrs. and still learning.

Most all of the companies that manufactured and distributed these revolvers are no longer in business so information can only be found by examination of pieces, limited literature in form of ads and articles, and interviews with the early pioneers in this industry. There are only a few of these pioneers still with us.

 

[mykeal]

After seventeen years of research and collecting I still do not feel confident to publish our book because of the new information that comes to light virtually everyday.

Sigh.
Since new information will continue to surface virtually forever, this means the book will never be published and all your research will never be available to the aficionado community. All for naught.

 

[Zonie]

Oh so true!

Perhaps the book could be published with the comment, "New information is often found about the guns covered in this book but the book represents the best knowledge as of this date."

The new knowledge could be added to the Second Edition when there is enough to justify it and this would give the buyers of the First Edition reason to buy the new book. :grin:

 

[paulvallandigham]

May I suggest you consider publishing the book in a 3 ring binder format, so that supplements can be added annually, as more information is gained? This is how Ken Water's " Pet Loads" is published, and the updates are often worth buying.

No one makes a lot of money writing or selling books. At best, you can gain some recognition as an " Authority". :rotf: That might lead to a paid writer's column in some magazine, but gun writers don't get rich at those jobs, either. They do get invited for expenses paid hunting trips, and that is sometimes enough to make all the effort worth while. :thumbsup:

 

[Mike1911]

I just got this book from Amazon and it looks great. I haven't read it just thumbed through it so far. Tons of info and photos. Nicely printed and bound.

 

[bprevolver]

I thank all for your responses. The three ring binder is one option that I am considering. If I publish myself then this would probably be my choice. Another option would be the spiral plastic binder as Dennis Russell used. I am definately considering a "pocket" edition that could be carried to gun shows, auctions, etc. as a reference.

The three basic parts of the book, maybe three volumes. First is the many replica models and their variations that I have uncovered. Second, is the identified manufacturers and distributors that marked their guns. The third would deal with the commemoratives produced by American Historical Foundation, America Remembers, etc. and the Special editions produced by the various manufacturers and distributors.

Which of these three areas would be of most interest to potiential collectors?

Feed back is more than welcome. Maybe the biggest problem is getting off my procrastinating ass and complete the first part.

 

[Coot]

Somehow, the first and second sections seem to be more or less hopelessly intertwined unless the second section was a detailed history of the companies involved in producing replicas rather than info on the replicas themselves. I do not think that such a history would be in great demand as compared to a detailed description of the known replicas with a short discussion of both build quality and faithfulness to the original with a thumbnail on the history of the makers - sort of what the 'Blue Book' does. Re special editions and commemorative models, many collectors that I know consider these as simply marketing gimmicks and regard anything produced simply as a collectable to not be - with my apologies to all the thousands who buy cases of Topps cards each year with the expectations that a mint rookie card of some unknown future great will someday be worth what a Mickey Mantle rookie card is today :wink:

 

[mykeal]

It's easiest to say which volume I'd buy last: the third one. The other two are tougher, but I'd probably want the second volume you described over the first volume, but just slightly.

 

[madcratebuilder]

You really need to publish the first volume. There are so many seldom seen revolvers, like the .31 round barrel pocket frame(mini Leech&Rigdon). I believe you said you have only seen two of these.

A history of the manufacturers and importers would be my second book. I don't have much interest in the AHF or AR issues and the commemorative Colt's are already well documented.

I like the spiral bound method that Dennis used. I would even pre purchase these books.