This massive volume will unquestionably become a standard reference work as long as men attempt to learn more about the background of our nation. It is certainly among the most important books ever conceived in the field of American firearms. United States Military Small Arms 1816-1865, which required nearly twelve years to complete, was written, illustrated and designed by Robert M. Reilly, arms collector, military historian and artist, and it seems unlikely that a more definitive work on the subject will ever be undertaken.

The fact that both the American Society of Arms Collectors and The Company of Military Historians have seen fit to place their unqualified recommendation and endorsement on this book is, in itself, an exceptional tribute to the painstaking effort and years of research which have gone into it. Never in the past have both these world-renowned organizations jointly recommended any published work.

The factual, thoroughly researched text which relates to the multitude of weapons covered within the scope of the volume is superbly supplemented by hundreds of exceptionally precise illustrations which graphically depict the important details of the arms and their variations as described. These illustrations, nearly 700 in all, exceed anything of the kind ever attempted, and provide one of the most important features of the work. For the first time ever, for instance, each lockplate marking variation known is depicted and described, including many which have been overlooked by early authorities. Perspective drawings of all breechloading arms produced for the armed forces between 1816 and 1865 show the operation of each to its best advantage, while overall views of every arm described include major and minor variations. The diverse array of firearms manufactured during that exciting half-century-flintlock to repeater-are covered in detail. Among these will be found a substantial number which have rarely, if ever, been discussed in earlier writings-variations virtually unknown today to any but the most advanced collectors.

United States Military Small Arms 1816-1865, which includes as it does, every known type of primary and secondary martial firearm used by Federal forces during the Civil War (and in a general sense, by both sides) , will also prove its value to the student of that conflict. Museum curators and persons involved in historical research will recognize it as a highly beneficial reference tool in their respective professions.

The large 9" x 12" format, combined with exceptional printing and binding, have resulted in a work invaluable to both the new and experienced arms collector . Each of the five chapters deals with a specific type arm: Muskets, Rifles, Rifle-muskets, Carbines and Handguns. All regulation United States arms are included as well as the large number of secondary types produced by our country's smaller private armories. The major mechanical priming systems, alterations from muzzleloading to breechloading, and the principal methods of conversion from flintlock to percussion ignition are also included within the scope of the first three chapter. Chapater Four consists of the great number of carbines designed and manufactured during the mid-nineteenth century, beginning with those few very rare flintlock types and the scarce breechloading varieties turned out in limited numbers for the pre-war West Point trials--many of which never progressed beyond that point. The final chapter discusses the martial handguns of the period--primary and secondary--pistols and revolvers. The rarely encountered single-shot breechloading pistols are included as well, and are depicted and described in detail.

This volume unquestionably fills a substantial gap in our knowledge of early American martial arms, and is highly deserving of a prominent place in any library devoted to our country's formative years.

Robert M. Reilly, author of United States Military Small Arms 1816-1865, has devoted thirty years of his avocational life to a study of early American ordnance and military history. This volume is a result of that study. While his basic interests have always centered around the small arms of the pre-1865 era, other US ordnance items, including artillery, projectiles, edged weapons and accouterments of those bygone days are also among his favorite subjects.

Mr. Reilly's ability as a technical military artist, long recognized in ordnance and historical circles, has been dramatically projected within the confines of this extraordinary volume. In addition, the author is an experienced writer, an avid researcher, and a serious collector of early US firearms and related items. All of these things have been drawn upon in producing one of the most significant books ever written in the field of American weapons.

United States Military Small Arms 1816-1865 did not, then, come about by accident. Considering the author's background, interests and ability, there can be no question but that this book constitutes a genuine labor of love--an ingredient wholly requisite to any work of this scope and magnitude.

United States Military Small Arms 1816-1865 is available for $59.95.