Woo-Hoo!

[flatsguide]

After four weeks of waiting I just received my copy of , " British Gunmakers 1740 - 1790 " by Neal & Back .
From all places, England. What a cornucopia of neat guns and ideas.
One can sure get a great insight on design and execution of the various great gunmakers of that time period.
Thanks to the forum members who have mentioned this book in numerous places as I fished for pictures and info on British Rifles.
Thanks guys
Richard

[B Shipman]

Worth it.

[B Shipman]

Note how all the screw slots are perfectly lined up on almost all of the guns. They might have been originally, BUT not now after wear and tear. I suspect the authors were busy at work creating their concept of flawless workmanship. A very important book.

[Keithbatt]

What is a good price to pay for this book?  I'm not afraid to pay up, but don't want to overspend either. 

Thoughts?

Keith

[jerrywh]

 Your lucky if you can find one.

[Keithbatt]

OK, so 250?  500?  Ballpark is what I'm looking for. 

Is the one to get: "Great British Gunmakers 1740-1790, The History of John Twigg and Packington Guns"?

This is the era I'm interested in... But is this "the" book to have?

Keith

[James Rogers]

Note how all the screw slots are perfectly lined up on almost all of the guns. They might have been originally, BUT not now after wear and tear. I suspect the authors were busy at work creating their concept of flawless workmanship. A very important book.

Actually the books show the screws every which way. The auction catalogs however have the same guns with perfectly aligned heads.

[James Rogers]

OK, so 250?  500?  Ballpark is what I'm looking for. 

Is the one to get: "Great British Gunmakers 1740-1790, The History of John Twigg and Packington Guns"?

This is the era I'm interested in... But is this "the" book to have?

Keith

That would be the book if that is your period as it contains the work of various makers including provincial makers like Thomas Richards. The book on Griffin, Tow and Bailes would be another. I think there are still some new copies of the Griffin book available in England for about 200.00. The Twigg book if you can find one can be had for about 200.00-250.00 in used condition. Lots of pics of their favorite parts of the gun and none of other areas like the entry thimble area for example but still a great resource. I would also recommend the 1540-1740 gut buster book because I think there are still a few new copies still available in England for a reasonable price.
Acquiring the auction catalogs from Christie's and Bonham's, etc. makes a good complement to the books.

[smart dog]

Hi,
I like Bill and James's comments about screw slots and perfection.  Let me add, that I have an original London-made fowling gun from the 1760s-1770s and the screw slot for the front lock bolt (side nail in British parlance) is vertical rather than lined up horizontally with the rear bolt. It has to be oriented that way because it allows the groove filed more than 1/3 of the way through the forward bolt to line up with the ramrod hole.  Obviously, "perfectly" planned.

dave