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A Source Book of Small Arms — Frederick Wilkinson (1981) Ward Lock London | Illustrated Firearms History Reference

If you’re looking for a compact, picture-rich reference on the history of firearms, this is A Source Book of Small Arms by Frederick Wilkinson, published by Ward Lock Limited (London).

It’s an illustrated historical overview with text explanations and clear images/diagrams—great for collectors, historians, reenactors, and reference-book shelves.

This edition is a handy small format that displays well and reads easily—perfect if you want a vintage small arms history book without a huge coffee-table footprint.

Book Details:

  • Title: A Source Book of Small Arms
  • Author: Frederick Wilkinson
  • Gere: Military History / Firearms History / Reference.
  • Publisher: Ward Lock Limited – London
  • Copyright: 1981
  • ISBN: 0-7063-6055-9
  • Pages: 128
  • Size: Approx. 7 x 5 x 0.5 in  
  • Format: hardcover

Inside Features  

  • Historical sections (example shown: cartridges/breechloading, the revolver)
  • Illustrated spreads with weapon profiles and period notes
  • Acknowledgements page lists museum/collection photo sources (nice provenance detail)

Condition : Good 

  • Cover shows bubbles wear/scuffing, edge/corner rub, and visible shelf/age marks (see photos)
  • Pages appear clean with light age toning; a small pencil/pen mark/number noted on a blank page (see photos)

Please review all images—this is the exact book you’ll receive.

Shelf-worthy vintage finds you can trust. Find Your Story.

Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)

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Disclaimer  

The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.

Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Yes. Every photo on this page is the actual item you will receive. Not a stock photo, not a similar copy. What you see is what ships.

Honestly. This is vintage, so expect some age. When I find wear, writing, stains, loose pages, chips, or missing pieces, I note them and show them in the photos. Some marks add character. Some are just flaws. I tell you which is which so you can decide if this is the right one for you.

With care. Old books and fragile pieces are wrapped and boxed so they arrive the way they left me. Careful packing is one of the things buyers mention most in their reviews. Orders of $35 or more ship free.

Probably not. Everything here is one of a kind, and I rarely find the same item twice. Once it sells, it is gone. Vintage does not restock neatly.