A must-have for every collector and enthusiast, this official history of Colt firearms illustrates and describes every model in every variation, from 1836 to 1986.

No inventor in the history of American industry has captured the imagination the way Samuel Colt did. His revolving pistol became synonymous with American genius and invention, gave birth to a great manufacturing empire, and was legendary in the history of the Civil War, in the taming of the West, and in campaigns and adventures all over the world--wherever Colonel Colt's invention "made men equal."

Written by the leading authority on firearms, there has never been a bigger, more beautiful, or more extraordinary book in the firearms field. With more than 3300 color photographs and 115 in black-and-white (all taken especially for this book), Colt: An American Legend illustrates and describes every model Colt produced between 1836 and 1986.

The large format of the book allows many of the firearms to be shown full size, and the history, development, and importance of each model and variation are presented and described in authoritative detail. A unique appendix traces the complete serial numbers and year of manufacture of every Colt model--a remarkable and invaluable guide for every serious collector and dealer.

Other Details: 410 illustrations, 305 in full color 368 pages 11 x 11"

About the Author

R.L. Wilson is a collector, freelance consultant, and author in the arms field. His clients include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center (Winchester Gun Museum), the Remington Arms Company Museum, the Eli Whitney Museum, the U.S. Historical Society, the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, and Christie's.