| Chapter |
Title |
Brief Summary of Chapter Contents |
| 1 |
The Sharps with a Septagon |
The story of our search for the owner of a Sharps Model 59 rifle used in the US Civil War. The septagon on the butt stock was the key to the puzzle. |
| 2 |
Searching the Internet |
Two examples of using the Internet to find information on antique firearms - one a Colt Single Action revolver and the other an 1849 Colt pocket revolver. |
| 3 |
Researching Firearms |
Finding the right sources for your search. |
| 12th Illinois Cavalry Firearms |
Listing of Spencer Carbines issued to specific members of the 12th Illinois Cavalry March 1864 |
| 4 |
Fakes, Frauds and Forgeries |
How modern science and techniques can help you spot a problem before you buy. |
| 5 |
History and Antique Firearms in My own Back Yard |
A visit to the site of the Great Northfield Raid, the last great adventure of the James/Younger gang. |
| 6 |
What Happened at the Little Big Horn ...And After |
Researching what happened to many of the firearms, and other artifacts, from the Battle of Little Big Horn. |
| 7 |
The Tale of a Firearm with High Provenance |
A biker's need for bail money sets in motion a chain of events that led to the discovery of extensive provenance for an 1874 Sharps rifle. |
| 8 |
A Journey of Discovery |
Developing a method to uncover the history associated with both antique firearms and their owners, especially thru military records. |
| 9 |
State Records Sources |
Museums, Historical Societies, Civil War Roundtables, and other sources arranged by state |
| 10 |
Roadblocks, Dead Ends and Professional Help |
Retracing your original steps can help remove roadblocks in your research, but sometimes it helps to seek out a professional genealogist or researcher. |
| 11 |
US Made Firearms |
Sources for contacting firearms manufacturers and collectors groups to help in your research. |
| 12 |
Miscellaneous Web Sites |
Sites pertaining to cemeteries, African-American veterans, female veterans, hospitals, book suppliers, prisons and prisoners, sites categorized by war. |
| 13 |
US Military Arms |
Reprint of a research project by the late George Madis. If you have a firearm originally owned by the Federal government, chances are you'll find out here when it was made and where it was purchased. (Reprinted with the permission of the Madis estate.) |
| Bibliography |
Publications we recommend |