Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Kentucky Gunmakers of the Muzzle Loading Era 1775-1900 by Shelby W. Gallien

Printed as a two-volume set: Volume I is "Gunmaking History" in 289 pages, and Volume II is "Biographies" in 322 pages. Pages are large format size 9x12 printed on premium 105 lb. coated paper with a matt finish. The publication is an in-depth study of early gunmaking in Kentucky. It documents the gunmakers who shaped Kentucky's gunmaking traditions and the attractive southern-style guns they made. Many never-before seen rifles are illustrated as the history of Kentucky's gunmaking is told, from the state's earliest gunmakers to its last holdouts who clung to the "old ways" in the mountainous southeastern hill county area.

For years Kentucky's gunmaking was often overlooked by collectors and researchers due to the assumption that its guns were, for the most part, plain "mountain rifles." Better quality rifles were often attributed to "southwestern Virginia" that today can be identified as products of Kentucky. Collectors, researchers, and historians can begin to identify Kentucky's early rifles and avoid the old misnomer of calling them "southwestern Virginia" guns. More importantly, Kentuckians can now appreciate their early arms-making heritage and take pride in their state's newly recognized place among the other states where early gunmaking became highly developed, artistic, and an important economic factor for the state.

Price: Two volume set: $149.95
Shipping & handling:       14.00

Availability: at selected shows or by e-mail at sgallien@comcast.net 

Copy and photos supplied by Shelby W. Gallien.

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