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A Treatise on the Snider - personally gifted by Ian Skennerton to Herb Woodend

The British Soldier's Firearm 1866 - c.1880

Development, Manufacture and Issue of the Snider Rifle and Carbine 1862 - post 1900

First Edition Ian D. Skennerton Published 1977 by I. D. Skennerton, Australia Hardback with dust wrapper - 181 pages (black/white throughout) ISBN 0-9597438-7-1

A very special book as it was gifted to Herb Woodend by the author Ian Skennerton. The title page carries a personal penned message to Herb, thanking him for his invaluable assistance in the book's production and their friendship. It is signed Ian D. Skennerton and dated 2.6.78. The inside front cover and first two pages are each stamped ‘H. J. WOODEND’ in ink (denoting his personal library). Herb Woodend MBE who passed away in 2003 was the Custodian of the famous Ministry of Defence Pattern Room at Enfield Lock from 1966 - 2002. This is one of the largest collections of military small arms in the world which is now the core of the National Firearms Centre at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. Much information can be found online.

Now to the subject matter: The 1860s saw major changes in military equipment and thinking, amongst the foremost of these being the introduction of breech-loaders as general issue arms throughout Europe. Although Britain was the last of the powers to adopt the principle of the breech-loader, development of an efficient breech-loading conversion was comparatively rapid. This book covers the development of the Snider from 1862, through the trials, its adoption, subsequent variations and modifications, and on to the special colonial, police and penal models which were still in service long after the turn of the century. A valuable reference work for collectors, historians and firearms enthusiasts alike.

The dust jacket has been laminated by the owner. Slight fading to dust jacket spine and minor issues to top edge including a small tear on the reverse together with large oval stress mark in the lamination also on the reverse. The cloth bound book itself is in excellent condition.

H:25 x W:16.2 x D:2cm £85.00 + £4.25 P&P UK