U.S. Navy Ship's Pistols: 1797 To 1895

The guide to American naval pistols of the 19th century. This work provides an illustrated history of 100 years of handguns issued to US Navy personnel. It features 70 different pistols and more than 250 color images, covering the period from 1797 to 1895. The early years feature flintlock boarding pistols and their conversion to percussion ignition. They are followed by the short era of percussion muzzle-loading pistols and the transition to percussion revolvers, just prior to the American Civil War. After the war, these revolvers were modified to use cartridges before finally making way for dedicated cartridge revolvers. This period encompasses large technological advancements and several major conflicts, including the Quasi-War with France, the War of 1812, the War with Mexico, and the American Civil War. AUTHORS: Peter Tuite is an avid collector of antique naval uniforms and equipment. He founded a successful nuclear engineering company, from which he has since retired. This is his second book on naval history published by Schiffer. He resides in Florida. Leland Bull has been collecting American muzzle-loading military pistols for decades, amassing one of the most complete collections of early (1797 1856) pistols extant. He was recently honored as a 50-year member of the American Society of Arms Collectors. SELLING POINTS: . Profiles 70 different antique pistols, many of which are quite rare . 250 color images show the guns in great detail, including markings . Coverage of all the handguns issued to US Naval personnel during the Civil War