April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
The lot consists of: two of the most important reference books for Kentucky long rifles. Both are must-have books for any Kentucky rifle enthusiast or collector. Item (A) is a signed, first edition printed in 1924 of "The Kentucky Rifle" by John G. W. Dillin. The book is signed on the page opposite the dedication by Dillin himself. CONDITION: The book is in good condition, but has no dust cover, and some minor scuffing and staining to cover. The first few pages show some staining and spotting due to mold or moisture. Otherwise, the book is in very good condition. (B) Rare numbered edition of "Thoughts On The Kentucky Rifle In Its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. This 1960 edition features a leather spine and a cardboard dust cover. The front has a label stating that this is number 24 of the deluxe limited edition of 200 books. The book is signed by several famous collectors and authors of Kentucky rifles, including Joe Kindig, Jr., Henry J. Kauffman, Carl J. Pippert, John E. Groome, S. E. Dyke, and others. This book features many colored pages with photographs in full-color, rather than black and white, as the standard edition has. The eight dignitaries that were primarily responsible for the assembly of this book have all signed it. Also included is "The Saga Magazine for Men," the April 1962 Edition, in which there is a five page story of Joe Kindig Jr. titled "The King of the Kentucky Rifle," where he shares his story and attraction to these rifles. There is also a handwritten letter on his letterhead to a collector in Buffalo, NY in April of 1963 discussing a particular Kentucky rifle. Last is a full-page article from the Sunday news dated October 23rd, 1960, which discusses Joe Kindig Jr. and Henry J. Kauffman and their recently published books on the Kentucky Rifle. CONDITION: The Kindig book is considered the Bible of Kentucky rifle books and this copy is in excellent condition, with only minor losses to the cardboard book holder. Otherwise, the book itself is nearly as-new.