My Father, the Published Author

My father past away a decade ago.  It is strange to realize it has been that long.  A decade brings so many changes: a handful of adorable grandchildren, gaining new friends while losing old, and new projects around the house that he built.  It makes me sad that he is not here to experience it.

He had spent time writing a book before his death.  Gun collecting was a hobby of his and he became an expert on German hunting rifles over the years. 

It makes me so proud that 10 years later it is finally being published.  It could not have been done without dedication on my mother's part and with the computer expertise of his good friend, Bruce Hamilton.  Other gun enthusiasts that knew my father, helped my mother with content editing, for which we are all grateful.

I wish it was a more accessible price.  At $75, it is a bit steep for anyone who is not a gun enthusiast or family member.  Since it is a small printing on a specialized subject and has lots of color photos, I suppose the price can't be helped.

From Safari Press' website:

GERMAN HUNTING GUNS OF THE GOLDEN ERA
1840-1940
by Hans Pfingsten

2014 Long Beach, 208pp, profuse color and b&w photos, illus., 8.5x11, hardcover, dj
ISBN: 978-1-57157-443-5

In this book you will find the history of break-open shotguns, rifles, drillings, and other combination guns produced in Germany during the period of 1840-1940.
 
German guns built before 1939 exhibit a high level of quality and finish. Collectors marvel at the subtle lines and superb craftsmanship of a Rasch or a Springer. Others find satisfaction using a beautiful Sauer shotgun made well before World War I. Many people have had the thrill of picking up a fine old gun from Germany or Austria and are in awe of the level of engraving, fit, and finish. Hunters delight in carrying a drilling in the field, for they know that they can take any game that presents itself.
 
In the devastation following two world wars, the records of the origins and the production of fine German sporting arms were mostly lost, so this book documents as much as possible the existing knowledge of these guns. Research material was gathered from old catalogs and ads, factory records, books, periodicals, individuals, and, of course, surviving firearms of the period covered by this book.
The book is divided into three sections: "Hunting," "Gunmakers," and "The Gun Itself." These three sections capture the essence of the topics through the use of photos and illustrations. Long, explanatory captions make the pictures understandable even to the novice. Moreover, all the famous makers of the day are included: J. P. Sauer, Brenneke, Lindner, Sempert & Krieghoff, and others. Everything to do with break-open shotguns, rifles, drillings, and combination guns is discussed: the Frank drilling, the barrel, the action, the development and history of these guns, fences, triggers, and so on.
 
This must-have book for the German gun enthusiast will have you marvel at the geniuses of a bygone day that invented and built such guns.