Variations of Colt's: New Model Police and Pocket Breech Loading Pistols

Heavily illustrated with over 160 photographs and superb technical drawings by Rainer Dethloff. Documented by a decade's worth of research and Colt factory records, including production quantities and extensive serial number data!

Be prepared for some surprises...this field of collecting will be changed forever! This landmark book on Colt's New Model Pocket and Police Revolvers permits the reader to finally understand these interesting and diverse early cartridge pistols. Until now, most authors and collectors have labeled these guns "Small Frame Conversions" and declared them confusing. As it happens, there are seven basic variations which are documented and described with production programs and quantities given for each. As the authors of this book point out, most of these guns were actually made as cartridge pistols and were not converted from percussion, although the conversions form a key part of this book and are described in detail.

The three authors are all long-time Colt collectors and, independently, each has been collecting data for over ten years. Their research permitted them to understand and interpret previously unexamined Colt factory records and to locate key documents in the Connecticut State Library.

A 'must-have' for serious gun collectors and a fascinating read for hobbyists curious about the history of Colt pistols and manufacture. -- Wisconsin Bookwatch, March 2006

Every Colt collector -- advanced or beginner -- should have [this book] available for reference... [Everyone] can benefit from the information. The illustrations alone are worth the price. -- Larry S. Sterett

The illustrations and technical drawings are clear, informative and will delight all Colt collectors. An invaluable addition to the library of any collector. -- Arms & Armour Society Newsletter, March 2003