At the time, there was a hard back book called colt. The small clawson does have a little more info, but this is indeed the bible for 1911 service pistols, and has aided me in the purchase of the rarer 1911 s, usmc, navy pistols, early production 1911 s. These works are still one of the most definitive books on the military and commercial colt 1911 s and its variations. Clawson e epic big book is a hardcover 429page volume that is regarded as the definitive work on the iconic colt 1911 pistol. Clawson told me there were 3000 total copies of the 1st big book that were printed in 1991 and 1993. Colt wwii 1911s as an investment 1911 firearm addicts. This book is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to evaluating wwii era 1911s.
The big book is 429 pgs of much more detail and history of the usgi m19111911a1 family, while the collectors guide is focused more on the characteristics and markings to help collectors correctly identify and evaluate guns they find. Well worth the price as they are scarce as hens teeth. Clawson 1993, hardcover, revised edition at the best online prices at ebay. Download collectors guide to colt 45 service pistols. This book has essential information on pistol markings and production changes over time. Long touted as the definitive bible of colt model 1911 handguns, this musthave book covers the years from 1911 to the end of model 1911 production in 1945. All pages are excellent and in tact, some light signs of use. This book is the most in depth, useful reference for the. Jump to latest follow status not open for further replies. Clawsons big book is a little advanced if you dont know much yet. Payment via discreet venmo, usps money order, or personal check. Its meant as a quick field guide to use at gun shows.
How many of clawson first big books were printed back in the early 90s. No serious colt 1911 collector would want to be without this important resource. That is also known as the little book, and is a condensed version of the big book without all the yackideeyack about the 1911s development and history. In 1993 chuck released his first book, a large 429 page the colt.
Another excellent book on the model 1911 is scott meadows u. I have been looking for the big book for years but never found one under 500 bucks and kinda gave up for the past few years as i ended up selling my last usgi 1911 anyway. Clawson, including titles like colt 45 service pistols. This is not the big book, but a paperback installment by clawson and a very useful quick reference book. I have one and have been offered more for the book than my first 2 gi 1911 s cost me back years ago. Have many friends who use this book as a source when buying an expensive. This is the small clawson book, the handy reference guidevery desirable and often seen being lugged to gun shows. This book is a slimmeddown 146 page version of clawson s 429 page big book.
My original supply of books is completely gone and the only source left is the secondary market amazon, etc. Heres a website you can visit to learn more about the 1911. I own a clawson 1911 book and this is the first time i have heard. I was just wondering what was taken out from the big book so this could be downsized. He followed with a smaller collectors guide version, and in 2005 he published the colt. Clawson 1991 dust jacket excellent otherwise minty. The big book is 429 pgs of much more detail and history of the usgi m1911 1911a1 family, while the collectors guide is focused more on the. Check with karl karash first to see if he still have any clawson small book. H31 us ww2 colt 1911 m7 shoulder holster boyt 1945. This collection not only has the super rare 1st print big book 1991, but it also. Clawson guide to colt 45 service pistols 1911 firearm. Its been hiding on the shelf for years, nos, the cover has some small tears around the edges as seen in the pictures. Not the best price, but if you cannot find elsewhere, it might be an option. Find all the books, read about the author, and more.
This book contains 429 pages loaded with information on the development and production of the famous colt military pistol. I am including in the package joe poyers the model 1911 and model 1911a1 military and commercial pistols it is softbound, 544 pages, and contains lots of pictures. The book is in very good condition with only minor wear and a little discoloration to the sleeve. Complete military identification, including all contractors jan 1, 2003. Craig riesch and i helped edit this book, and i highly recommend it along with clawson s collectors guide. The m1911 pistols organization forums site m1911 forum. Excellent coverage of the 1911 and 1911a1 in all respects and a necessary guide to correct identification. Charles clawsons books on the 1911 and its various configurations are. Difference between orignal version and reprint of clawsons book. The downside is that demand for it is high and so are the prices. What you are bidding is a rare out of print clawson large big book. No reserve an absolute must have for the collector of u. Charles w clawson author visit amazons charles w clawson page.
Collecting usgi pistols was a lot different in the early 1990s than it is now. No longer in print, these books are increasingly hard to find, especially in this condition. This is the one with all the handy reference information thats easier to access. Clawson book i bought 3 copies of the big book when it was first published. This is the big book, not one of the smaller references. Clawson s book laid the ground work for collecting by accurately identifying the variations, their serial ranges, quantities, unique.
Rare collection of 5 charles clawson model 1911 colt reference. Aug 12, 2010 hello board, i bought years ago a paperback book called collectors guide to colt. Includes photocopies of the serial number and correction inserts. The title of this book is collectors guide to colt. I have collected 1911 s for 45 years, and this is the definitive book. Complete military identification paperback january 1, 1993. Covers the model 1911 and model 1911a1, and is the best collectors guide to date.
It is a handy quick reference when assessing a pistol for originality and collectability. This book has incredibly well researched and detailed information on the design, manufacture, alterations and history of colt 1911 s beginning with the initial development and following through to the end of wwii. Description 10318 this book is the most in depth, useful reference for the. It is more or less a cliffs notes version but it misses some reference such as mention of appendices etc that are not in the small book but rather only in the big book.
Complete military identification, including all contractors jan 1, 2003 by charles w. Since you are new, you have probably the best introductory book for now. Complete military identification, including all contractors. Isbn 97809633973 97809633973 hardcover, clawson publications, 2003. I look at one of them quite regularly, still a very good source of information. Colt 45 service pistols models by charles clawson abebooks. Reviewed in the united states on november 15, 2017. It has all of the information that the prospective wwii 1911 buyer needs to know in order to prevent being ripped off by fakes, part guns, etc. This is the end all of all books written on the 1911 service pistol. Covers the model 1911 and model 1911a1, and is the. Charles clawson s clawson s collectors guide to colt.
Before i buy spend such a large amount for this book, i want to ask if the. What a rare collection of first edition and limited print charles clawson books. Generally very good condition, dust cover and page edges slightly fadedyellow colored but overall very sound. This is the recent, long awaited, affordable 3rd edition small book.
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