Archive for Garry James

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1860 Spencer Carbine

Engineer Christopher Miner Spencer was one of those 19th century Yankee polymaths who was responsible for a huge number of different, fascinating contrivances. But it was his eponymous repeating rifle that really established his place in the hierarchy of American inventors.

October 09, 2013

U.S. Model 1847 Cavalry Musketoon

The 1847 Cavalry Musketoon was actually an attenuated version of the excellent U.S. Model 1842 Musket, and commands high prices with collectors.

July 24, 2013

Polish Vis 35 Radom Pistol

The Vis 35 was a cross between two other handguns, and was one of the best military pistols made before WWII.

May 24, 2013

Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model

John Wesley Hardin was carrying a S&W .44 Double Action First Model when he was killed.

April 23, 2013

Winchester Model 1895 Russian Musket

In a desperate need for arms to fight the Germans, the Russian Army turned to Winchester, purchasing Model 1895s in 7.62x54 mm R.

March 20, 2013

U.S. Model 1816 Flintlock Pistol

The 1816 Flintlock pistol is considered reasonable for a historic firearm.

January 23, 2013

British Mark III Snider Carbine

The Snider Carbine was developed as a way to convert percussion arms to handle self-contained cartridges.

December 26, 2012

French Model 1873 Revolver

The French were influential in early firearm development, and came up with one of the best double-action revolvers of time.

October 17, 2012

Longarms of America's Forgotten War

The American War of 1812 saw the use of a wide variety of arms by a colorful assemblage of combatants.

September 27, 2012

Bannerman's Special

These guns were pieced together from available parts, and are interesting collectables.

August 20, 2012

Hi-Standard Military Model B-US

During World War II, the Hi-Standard Model B was used to train troops, eventually obtaining military markings, making it the Model B-US.

June 18, 2012

Southern Derringer

The Southerner Derringer was a turn-barrel pistol with its name, emblazoned on the barrel, intended to appeal to buyers south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

May 29, 2012

Webley Mark VI Revolver

The Webley was the quintessential British revolver, with the Mark VI remaining as the standard until 1936.

May 22, 2012

Jacob Double Rifle

The story about the Jacob Double Rifle is as fascinating as its creator.

March 19, 2012

The British L42A1 Sniper Rifle

The L42A1s are highly coveted, and can bring between $5,000 and $6,000 depending on the original accessories.

January 27, 2012