Colt : An American Legend

by R.L. Wilson, Sid Latham (Photographer)

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, this work 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.

Genres: History, Reference

406 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Robert L. "Larry" Wilson was one of America's leading authorities on antique firearms. He was the author of illustrated and detailed books regarding the histories of various firearm companies, the art of firearm engraving and embellishment, and Sam Colt, inventor of the revolver. He consulted for, and advised, museums around the world.

As an undergraduate student, Wilson studied history and art at Carleton College. Wilson's first book,Samuel Colt Presents, was published in 1961 when he was 22 years old. His most recent publication, History and Art of the American Gun, was published in 2016, and during that span of 55 years, Wilson averaged approximately one book per year.

In addition to authoring more than 50 books, Wilson also penned 325 articles for a variety of magazines and periodicals and wrote countless gun descriptions for firearm auction catalogs.

Wilson passed away December 10, 2016, in his San Francisco home. He was 77 years old.

Reviews

[Checkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently wrote a review of one of R.L. Wilson's other famous coffeetable books Winchester: An American Legend : The Official History of Winchester Firearms and Ammunition from 1849 to the Present. Colt: An American Legend is the natural companion-piece. The other bookend so to speak. Like the Winchester edition this book is a must for collectors or those who are just a fan of Colt handguns. Like the Winchester book this is a beautifully illustrated book with page after page of marvelous photographs. There is also a well done index listing the various models (and their serial number range grouped by year of manufacture) made by Colt from it's inception in the 1840's to the mid 1980's.

However that last date is a clue to the perceptive reader that the book is out of date. It was published in 1985 and to say that there have been many many changes at Colt over the past twenty-six years is an understatement. This is not a company history. It's a celebration of Colt firearms with a little bit of model and company history thrown in for good measure.

Nevertheless this is still a terrific book. It sits next to my copy of Winchester: An American Legend : The Official History of Winchester Firearms and Ammunition from 1849 to the Present in my library and I refer to both books consistently. There is no dust on either of them.

[Laeona Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

It really gives you a love for what Colt is! I really enjoyed this!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of Mr. Colt is an inspiration. The fancy engraved pistols take a back seat to the ones in the Author's Winchester Book