Hi Matt, many thanks for the heads up.
Available for pre order now on Protek, they will have them on the 15th Nov:
http://www.proteksupplies.co.uk
Just starting a new thread so the link to buy is at the top of the thread.
I was a big fan of the original Encyclopaedia of spring air pistols but I have to say this second edition seems more than just an updated version, it feels like a totally new book. The colour photography really brings it to life and as others have said I’ve seen a world of previously unknown pistols that weren’t featured in the first edition, as well as updated info on some well known air pistols. John has obviously been compiling some excellent new information in the last 17 years.
Chapter 2 ‘Hand-crafted spring air pistols, pre ca.1900’ could be a separate book in its own right, as could the later chapters on homemade, mystery and prototype pistols.
The final chapter on air pistol shooting galleries and games is also a real treat and again the addition of colour photos makes all the difference.
This is a book that definitely fits into my airgun collection as a collectible in its own right, and I’ve ordered a second copy to keep as a mint example. Undoubtedly my first copy will be well thumbed over the coming years. In fact the updated info has already been useful in identifying an early version ‘Haenel air pistol’ owned by a fellow collector.
I also have no financial interest in this publication but I think every airgun collector should have one.
A masterpiece! Well done John and thanks for making this contribution to the history of air pistols available at a very reasonable price.
Cheers,
Matt
Hi Matt, many thanks for the heads up.
I have the first edition and as Matt says, the second edition almost amounts to a totally new book having such large additional content and extensive colour photography.
A great investment in itself as a future collectable.
Brian
I never managed to get a copy of the first edition but have placed my order for the new edition through Protek and was told to expect delivery within a week or so.
Thanks for the heads-up!
Aubrey
Sigh. Having moved house, our new broadband provider (SKY) appears to have blocked Protek because of “weapons, violence, gore and hate”.
Guys, they are a seaside airgun shop. Not Al Qa’ida
Currently looking for Baikal Makarov pistols with the following prefixes to the serial number: 98, T01, T09, T21, T22
Prefer boxed or cased but will consider loose examples too.
very interesting
Anybody bringing any to Brum on Sunday?
Dave
Smell my cheese
Yes I'll have some copies. Regards Tim
Mine arrived today.
I thought the credits/acknowledgments to our fellow collectors was so deserving. Well done Prof and thank you for a wonderful encyclopaedia.