Happy 2017

As you've probably noticed, I haven't had many postings on the site lately.  This isn't due to any lack of interest but my plate's been pretty full these past couple of months and I hope to resuming posting on a more or less regular basis. I've in the midst of working on my next book and cranking out a few magazine articles as well.  In the meantime, I've been giving some thought as to what may be the collecting trends for U.S. martial arms for 2017.  The only change from the past few years that may happen is a bit more interest in the weapons of the First World War since 2017 represents the centennial of America's active involvement in the war. On the other hand, the weapons used by our Doughboys in the conflict; the M1903 rifle, M1911 .45 pistol and M1897 and M1910 trench shotguns are already extremely popular with collectors and its hard to imagine these weapons increasing in value and desirability  more than they already have.  It also seems that the M1917 rifle (which was widely used by our guys in the war) is beginning to gain more traction with collectors. I've always thought it was an under-appreciated and under-valued collectible so it is about time the M1917 was duly recognized as a historic, and very interesting, U.S. martial arm.  We'll see how the year plays out but I wouldn't expect that 2017 is going to be terribly different than 2016 or 2015.  In any event, I wish you and your family a great 2017.

A Real Piece of History

When I was in Springfield last month for my M1 Rifle lecture, I met a gentleman who lives in the general area and has an amazing U.S. martial arms collection. He graciously invited me to view it and there was truly some historic stuff there.  This photo is of me holding Melvin Johnson original prototype firing mechanism that he developed and was the basis for his famous M1941 semiautomatic rifle. I have a couple of photos of the item in my book my never imagined I'd have the opportunity to handle it.  Truly a piece of firearm history.