Book Review: Classic Guns Of The World Series

Since 1974, Schiffer Publishing has been producing high-quality, glossy-paged books on nearly every type of antique of interest to the collector’s market. For arms and militaria collectors, the publisher’s Schiffer Military branch has been the go-to for books on nearly every aspect of 20th-century military material. From planes and tanks to ships and uniforms, their quill-and-inkwell logo on the spine of a book is as familiar to readers as the quill and sword found on Leo Cooper books—another symbol signifying a quality read.

Schiffer Military’s most recent contribution is the translation and publication of a series of books originally produced in France by Regi Arm. Re-branded as the Classic Guns Of The World Series, these 11 titles are each only 80 pages long but pack quite a helping of information within their hard covers. Written by a variety of French arms historians (Jean Huon, Luc Guillou, Erik DuPont, Georges Machtelinckx) and translated into English by Julia and Frederic Finel, these volumes expertly cover each of their topic areas with clear descriptions of the background, development, manufacture and use of the firearms.

Each volume covers production history, serial numbers, markings, variants and accessories such as silencers, bayonets, ammunition types and grenade launchers. Special attention is given to proofmarks, roll-die stampings and inspector’s cartouches. Using period photos, as well as hundreds of new color pictures that lack nothing for detail and clarity, I was happy to see new, previously unpublished images of these guns in use during their years on the front lines. Spectacular full-page color spreads by Marc de Fromont dominate each book, showing off the subject gun and a variety of original accoutrements and accessories.

At only $25 per volume (plus shipping and handling), this series deserves your attention, as each volume’s length makes it easily digestible yet belies its depth of content. Subjects in the series include: The Colt M1911; American Submachine Guns 1919-1950; The Luger P.08 Vols. 1 & 2; German Submachine Guns 1918-1945; The STEN; The German MG 34 & MG 42 Machine Guns In World War II; The M1 Garand; Mauser Rifles Vol. 1 1870-1918; Mauser Rifles Vol. 2 1918-1945; and The M1 Carbine.

Contact: Schiffer Publishing; schifferbooks.com.