Description
American Arms Collectors – Percussion Colts and Their Rivals “The Al Cali Collection” by R. L. Wilson is arguably the finest firearms book ever published. It showcases three elements of collecting firearms that have never been combined in print before. All images depict the firearm’s life size so the reader can visualize the relative sizes, and see every detail. The original condition of the guns is astonishing – some remain in virtually new condition from the mid-19th century! Furthermore, the quality of Mr. Douglas Sandberg’s photography is unsurpassed. When noted antique firearms collector Al Cali sold his Colt collection on Sept. 18, 2011, little did he know that many of his revolvers would shatter existing world’s records for firearms prices realized at auctions. Al Cali didn’t have the biggest Colt collection ever assembled, but in terms of original condition of the specimens he chose, what he accumulated over 50 years is unequaled in the history of gun collecting. This landmark Heritage/Greg Martin auction produced the following results: 5 cased percussion Colts sold for $3,852,500, and the cased and shell carved ivory gripped Texas/Holster Model No. 5 Paterson with w/9 in. barrel gaveled for $977,500, establishing a new world’s record! The 33 Colts auctioned off brought $6,690,740, averaging over $200,000 per gun! Owning this book is the next best thing to owning Al Cali’s collection. With an impressive oversized 11×17 in. format, this 194 page publication is sure to become a classic shortly! Regularly $99.95, the price has been reduced to $75. Don’t wait, as quantities are very limited.
