Customer Reviews

British Gunmakers: Vol.2, Birmingham, Scotland & the Regions

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Volume 2 of Nigel Brown's series of books on British Gunmakers deal with Birmingham, Scotland & the regional gunmakers and trade workers of the 19th and 20th centuries and is even more impressive than Volume 1 (London). It also measures roughly 9" wide x 12" high, but extends 460 information packed pages in hard cover and dust jacket. As part of a set it is in all respects similar to Volume 1 with a durable dust jacket, 34 historical b&w photos and 28 truly magnificent colour photographs of guns made in these regions. It is printed on heavy mat art paper with an easy to read font size. It is a reference work, but it is coffee table quality.
Volume 2 consists of a 19-page introductory section with followed by Part 1 (p22-p67) which provides individual histories of 60 gunmaker. Part 2 (p72-p149) provides more historic and biographical information as well as detailed lists and tables of dates and serial numbers of those gunmakers of which records had been preserved. Part 3 (p152-p367) is a comprehensive list of all relevant gunmakers and related trades. Brown provides names and name changes, trades, addresses and address changes and important dates. As said at the Volume 1 review, the only thing I miss here to have made this book absolutely perfect is the biographical dates (birth-death) of the individuals listed. Part 4 (p380-p460) contains lists of the brand names, proofmarks (illustrated and defined) conversion tables (including currency conversions) as well as a detailed index.
This is an invaluable reference work for scholars and serious enthusiasts, but it is not something you can read in large doses.

Warning : DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK TO CURL UP IN BED WITH .

However , if you require an invaluable reference source for research into a prospective purchase - then this is the book for you .

poor in pictures, i was expecting a much more balance review in terms of manufacturers history and reputation

This book gives a wealth of information on Britiish gunmakers. It is an outstanding reference guide, and it reflects a tremendous amount of research by the author. Even if you never read it, it sure look impresseive on the shelf. Jim Garrett