Over the years as I collected the guns, I became interested in obtaining an original period catalog to go with the gun (around the same year if possible). As many know, these catalogs are a treasure trove of information and history. To me it completes the gun itself. Not only that, but they are true works of art. The time, money and energy that went into these catalogs is truly amazing. The catalogs were really the flag-bearers for the manufacturers at the time, so I can understand why so many resources were devoted to them.

I have been fortunate enough to obtain three vintage catalogs and one brochure, that pretty much cover the guns I have.

The first catalog is from circa 1904 and goes into detail about the newly introduced HOT. I love the cover image of the hunter on a trip with his best friend.

The second catalog is from 1908-1912. Now this one is a real work of art, with the cover art by Bert Renouf with the great "Friends" logo on the back cover.

The third catalog is from 1913-1916 and again the beautiful cover art is by Bert Renouf and is referred to as the "Birch Forest Series". This is an important catalog in that it introduces the new post-1913 grades.

The little brochure is from the late 40's and is interestingly stamped "Winchester Library". Looks like we caught Winchester spying.

These catalogs also make great display pieces. I rarely open them, due to the age, but every once in awhile I will take a walk back in time with them. I prefer to have a duplicate reproduction catalog that I can just pull and go through for reference purposes, with no worries.

Maybe others here have gone down the same trail... or maybe now will.

Bob

1904 Cover



1904 Back


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1908-12 Cover (Wow!)


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1908-12 Back (Wow x2!)



1913-16 Cover



Late '40's Brochure Cover


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Late '40's Brochure Back