CHASSEPOT TO FAMAS: French Military Rifles, 1866 – 2016
by Ian McCollum
Chassepot to FAMAS: French Military Rifles, 1866 – 2016 is a reference guide for historians, shooters, and arms collectors alike, detailing the progression of French military rifles from the first paper-cartridge Chassepot rifles in 1866 through the FAMAS – the last military rifle to be made in France. This book is the first English-language work to comprehensively cover the subject, and includes all major models of French rifles:
Chassepot
Gras
Kropatschek
Lebel
Berthier
RSC
MAS-36
MAS-40/44/49/56
FR-F1/2
FAMAS
Each chapter includes a history of the rifle’s development and its intended use, along with information concerning known variants, production numbers, markings, disassembly and mechanical operation, bayonets, and a history of deployment and combat use. French small arms have played a unique role in global firearms development, often ahead of the curve and always unique. Supported by world-class color photography and printed to the highest standards, Chassepot to FAMAS is not just a valuable reference tool but also a beautiful book worthy of any discerning library.
Ian McCollum is the founder, editor, and presenter of Forgotten Weapons, a decade-old web site and video archive dedicated to preserving firearms history. He specializes in French small arms and holds a deep interest in collecting these weapons. It is his hope that Chassepot to FAMAS will lay the groundwork for a new level of appreciation and respect for these historically important weapons.
French Military Rifles, 1866 – 2016
— Third Printing of Chassepot to FAMAS. This Third Printing of the First Edition of the book is in almost all respects identical to the prior printings of the First Edition, with the exception of the following changes: (1) “First Edition” has been removed from the spine of the exterior of the book; (2) spine hubs are no longer gilded; and (3) a limited number of corrections/adjustments have been made to the text.
Features:
Page count: 532
7.5" wide by 10" tall (approx.)
Commercial quality, section sewn style binding which allows the book to lay flat
Full color prints on premium quality paper stock
Foil stamped, red faux leather hardcover
Ribbon page marker
French Military Rifles, 1866 – 2016
— Third Printing of Chassepot to FAMAS. This Third Printing of the First Edition of the book is in almost all respects identical to the prior printings of the First Edition, with the exception of the following changes: (1) “First Edition” has been removed from the spine of the exterior of the book; (2) spine hubs are no longer gilded; and (3) a limited number of corrections/adjustments have been made to the text.
Features:
Page count: 532
7.5" wide by 10" tall (approx.)
Commercial quality, section sewn style binding which allows the book to lay flat
Full color prints on premium quality paper stock
Foil stamped, red faux leather hardcover
Ribbon page marker
Signed by author, Ian McCollum
Commemorative Extras
Our ex libris, or bookplate, provides a classic way to indicate ownership of one’s books. Meaning ‘from the library of’ in Latin, the ex libris has been a staple of true bibliographic connoisseurs for centuries. These luxury bookplates are letterpress-printed on premium textured ivory paper stock by a small press in Scotland. Finished with a stylish application of gold foil, they also feature a peel-away adhesive backing for easy application to the book of your choice. The Chassepot to FAMAS bookplate features a pair of MAS 36 rifles wrapped in a scroll with blank space to inscribe the owner’s name.
* At this time, due to order fulfillment logistics, “EX LIBRIS” BOOKPLATES MAY ONLY BE ORDERED IN COMBINATION WITH A BOOK PURCHASE. Any order not accompanied by a book will be canceled.
Our genuine leather bookmarks are hand-tanned, cut, and printed by a family-owned tannery in Scotland. Each bookmark is dyed a rich blue color to complement the book, and debossed with a gold foil print showcasing the eponymous Chassepot and FAMAS rifles.
* At this time, due to order fulfillment logistics, BOOKMARKS MAY ONLY BE ORDERED IN COMBINATION WITH A BOOK PURCHASE. Any order not accompanied by a book will be canceled.