U.S. General Officer Pistols, A Collectors' Guide

Williamstown, New Jersey: Phillips Publications, 2015. Signed and dated by co-auhor John W. Brunner directly on the blank page opposite the title (his signature and "1/17/15" only, NOT personalized to anyone). Fine condition in a Very Good dust jacket (only light rubbing to the jacket). The jacket is protected by a removable Brodart clear-plastic sleeve. NOT price clipped ($79.95). NO chips, tears, creases or fading. Sharp corners. NO owner's name or bookplate. NOT a remainder. Red silk ribbon page marker bound in at the head of the spine. Profusely illustrated, many in beautiful full color. Bound in the original blue cloth, stamped in bright silver. From the dust jacket: "The author's new book on General Officer pistols is a welcome volume to the collector and historian. The traditional badge of rank for officers was a sword. By WW-II the U.S. Army began issuing a small pocket pistol that was considered a 'badge of authority' rather than something they would have to use in combat. Although a .380 pistol may seem rather underpowered for military use General Patton did boast that he shot down a Nazi warplane in North Africa with his .380 pistol. (There was a .50 caliber machine gun firing at the same plane at the same time!) This issue continued until 1972 when all inventories were exhausted. A special belt, gold buckle, holster and magazine pouch were issued along with those Colt pistols. In 1972 Rock Island Arsenal began making a modified M1911 pistol which became the Model 15. These were the last .45 ACP caliber pistols issued. Prior to the adoption of the Beretta M9, there were 410 standard M1911A1 pistols issued to General Officers. The U.S. Navy and USMC did not issue special pistols to officers. In 1967 the U.S. Air Force began issuing Smith & Wesson Model 39 pistols to flag rank officers. This volume gathers in one place all the known serial numbers of General Officer pistols. The value of these pistols is worth several times that of its civilian counterpart." Oversize Hardcover. 8.75" wide by 11.25" tall. This large, heavy book will require extra postage for International shipments, but only the standard charge for priority or media mail.. Signed by John W. Brunner. First Edition. Oversize Hardcover. Fine condition/Very Good dust jacket. Illus. by NOT a library discard. viii, 256pp. Great Packaging, Fast Shipping.