THE ITALIAN GUN. By Steve Smith and Laurie Morrow.

1997 1st edition. 4to (180 x 258mm). Ppx,326. Colour and b/w photographs and illustrations, bibliography, marbled end-papers. Gilt decoration to dark grey cloth, spine titled in gilt, all edges gilt. Edition limited to 250 copies, signed by the authors and publishers.

This book "is the first book written on the subject especially for the American gun enthusiast and shooting sportsman by American authors. We [begin] with a brief history of the evolution and development of Italian firearms [which] not only sets the stage for modern firearms production, but firmly positions Italy as its lead player. Our focus is on the revival of italy's fine gunmaking industry from the mid-1950's to the present, during which time Val Trompia, the world's oldest gunmaking center, has re-emerged as the best - once more". Chapters include: History of early Italian firemarms manufacture; How political history influenced Valtrompia; Valtrompia; 'Proving' italian firearms; Wood; The Italian gunmakers - maker by maker; The rest of the best Italian gunmaking - manufacturer by manufacturer; The pitfalls of buying and importing a gun by yourself; Advice from a U.S. dealer who imports Italian guns; Engraving as art - Firmo Fracassi, Angelo Galeazzi, Gianfranco Pedersoli, Giancarlo and Stefano Pedretti, Claudio Cremini, Giuio Timpini (Beretta), Manrico Torcoli. Appedices are: The italian gunmakers - past and present; Getting to Italy's Valtrompia region; Italian/English translation of firearms words; Products and specifications - Beretta, Luciano Bosis, Renato Gamba, Perazzi; Standard measurements and gun styles.