|
DIRECTORY OF AMERICAN MILITARY GOODS DEALERS &
MAKERS 1785 - 1915, by Bazelon & McGuinn: The
authors of this valuable reference tackled what can only
be described as a Herculean task – that of identifying,
collecting and researching the persons and firms who
manufactured and sold the wide spectrum of military
equipment for the American military. As the title
states, encompassing the years 1785- 1915, this 180 page
volume reflects the suppliers who provided the military
with the uniforms, insignia, accoutrements, horse
equipment, tentage, mess gear – the list is almost
endless. While it does not list those companies engaged
in firearm manufacturing such as Colt or Sharps, it does
list those firms that sold the guns at the retail
level. Each maker is listed alphabetically with the
merchant’s address(es), dates of operation, and what
goods the firm produced and/or sold. All valuable
information that allows the collector, using the maker’s
name and address on an artifact, to determine when the
piece was produced and from where it was purchased.
There are reproductions of some of the makers’ labels,
broadsides and newspaper advertisement. This is a very
useful reference which adds a nice dimension to your
collection, and I find I regularly refer to my copy.
This ex-libris copy is in excellent condition, showing
no signs of use or wear. (0918) $35
|
