SMITH & WESSON REVOLVERS: THE PIONEER SINGLE ACTION MODELS.

New York: William Morrow, 1957. 242 pp, 9 1/2" H. B&w photographs, technical drawings, reproductions. "In writing this book, Mr. Parsons had access to company documents never before disclosed. Smith & Wesson kept a careful record of their development as arms manufacturers in Springfield, beginning in 1856, and the era Parsons has chosen to explore is perhaps the most exciting in the company's history. These are the earliest days, from mid-century to the 1880's. This book is not only an accurate and detailed study of the earliest American catridge revolvers, it is filled with accounts of eccentric inventors, rival manufacturers, Civil War notables, frontiersmen and foreign dignitaries. Contracts with the Russian Imperial Government led to a personal call by the Grand Duke Alexis. Later, Smith & Wesson guns armed both sides in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877. Meticulously documented, absorbing in anecdote, this book is a permanent contribution to firearms history." Cigarette odour, previous owner's bookplate on the free front endpaper, previous oner's signature on the half-title page, an old piece of browned tape at the top and bottom edges of the pastedowns, light browning to the endpapers, light wrinkling at the top/bottom of the spine, light edge wear, slight colour fading at the top edge. Dust jacket has old browned tape at the top and bottom edges, a small hole, some small tears (archivally taped) and moderate wrinkling on the spine; a few edge tears, wrinkles and chips; light to moderate edge wear; very light browning; now protected in removable mylar sleeve.. Not Signed. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good-/Fair.