Product Description

"Hereme, and one that will be quoted for years to come as the standard reference of the history of Colt firearms."--Guns Magazine. 410 illustrations, 305 in color.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #173511 in Books
• Published on: 1989-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 368 pages

From Library Journal
Wilson has produced what may well be the definitive work on Colt firearms. Complementing his previous work, The Colt Heritage: the official history of Colt firearms, 1836-present ( LJ 11/1/79), this concentrates on the individual models the company produced. Interspersing his narrative with some biographical information on Sam Colt and his company, Wilson traces the development of the company line with more than 400 photos. The fine engraving and rich textures are shown to advantage in Latham's photographs. Every model produced is described and illustrated, including rare pieces. An invaluable appendix traces the complete serial numbers and years of manufacture. Of interest to collectors and students of the history of technology, this is highly recommended. George F. Scheck, Naval War Coll. Lib., Newport, R.I.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Colt : An American Legend
This book is chuck full of great high quality color and some black and white photographs, showing the detailed craftmanship of old Colt firearms, from the quality engraving and inlaying to metal and wood working. It gives a complete history of every gun Colt created.
Great for collectors and gun enthusiasts alike! I am not a gun collector but I do appreciate great craftsmanship, and this book is full of examples to demonstrate both Arts and History.

legendcolt/an american
The next best thing to buying a colt revolver itself.

Excellent in every respect and well recommended.

Surprised at the profusive praise
I bought this book sight unseen based on my interest in the subject matter and from seeing other offerings of RL Wilson and liking them. First off, this book hasn't been updated since it was produced in the late 80s. Lots has changed since that time. First off, I need to claim my biases. When it comes to Colt I am primarily interested in Single Action Armies, 1911s, and the Python/Diamonbacks. That said I couldn't believe how little photography was devoted to the 1911. By far the most numerous of Colts ever made due to WWI and II production. There were very few photos of standard production 1911s and those that were there were of well used and weatherbeaten ones. There were more of the decorative/unique 1911s. I am fortunate enough to live near a collection of Frank Phillip's (Petroleum) Colt's in the museum in Bartlesville, OK. I couldn't believe Wilson would not photograph their Colts. They're pristine, covering every major variant. The Peacemaker was given fair coverage. The Python and Diamondback were given very little coverage. At the time the Diamondback was current production and more blah in his opinion, I am sure. Looking back on it, it was a classic since it was the last affordable, working man's revolver made by Colt. Now, to me, it marks the end of an epoch. Yes, Colt still makes Pythons but they are so expensive, hard to find and production is so limited they are not hardly worth talking about anymore. If you are into the early guns primarily this is probably a great book. Based on my interests this book was a bit of a disappointment.