This video features Jonathan Ferguson discussing British military firearms, specifically contrasting the AR-15 platform with historical flintlock revolvers. Ferguson, an author and firearms historian, delves into the evolution of firearms, referencing his books "Thorneycroft to SA80" and "Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers of Elisha Collier." The description also links to his articles on flintlock revolvers and provides resources for other firearms history channels and reference books, indicating a deep dive into historical firearms development and design.
This comprehensive two-volume set, 'Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers of Elisha Collier and Artemas Wheeler,' delves into the history and mechanics of early revolving firearms, predating Samuel Colt's patents. Authored by Ben Nicholson, the work meticulously details 74 surviving examples and explores the significant 1818 patent and subsequent legal challenges. It highlights the evolution from manual operation to sophisticated clockwork mechanisms.
This video features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson examining a rare 1597 8-shot carbine revolver, a precursor to modern self-rotating revolvers. It predates the popularization of designs by Elisha Collier, Artemis Wheeler, and Samuel Colt by nearly a century. The video offers a close-up look at the decorated sporting gun's functionality and history, while also promoting two books with contributions from Ferguson and Nicholson, and encouraging support for the Royal Armouries.
This video, featuring Professor Ben Nicholson, author of "Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers of Elisha Collier and Artemas Wheeler," delves into the world of fake and reproduction Elisha Collier revolvers. The discussion covers the motivations behind counterfeiting, differentiating between fraudulent profit-driven fakes and homages, the market value of such reproductions, the evolution of faking techniques before and after the internet, and the critical importance of provenance in authenticating historical firearms. The book itself is also promoted, available for preorder on Kickstarter.
This video showcases the meticulous field stripping of a Second Model Collier revolver, highlighting its intricate blend of British bespoke craftsmanship and American machine manufacturing. Presented by Professor Ben Nicholson and facilitated by collector Frank Graves, the disassembly offers a detailed look at the engineering and artistry inherent in these early revolvers. The description also promotes the pre-order of the book "Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers of Elisha Collier and Artemas Wheeler" on Kickstarter.
This video delves into the historical patent disputes surrounding early American revolvers, specifically focusing on the legal battles involving Colt, Wesson & Leavitt, and the prior art of Elisha Collier. The discussion centers on patent infringement lawsuits from 1851-1852, where Collier testified. Professor Ben Nicholson and the host explore the validity of Colt's patent and whether Colt was aware of prior inventions when filing. The video also promotes a Kickstarter for "Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers of Elisha Collier and Artemas Wheeler."
This video delves into the history and development of Elisha Collier's early revolvers, exploring the transition from clockwork mechanisms to percussion firing. Featuring insights from Professor Ben Nicholson, author of "Clockwork Basilisk," the discussion covers different Collier revolver patterns and their chronological evolution. It examines the original clockwork models, the standardized flintlock versions, and various percussion examples, including both factory-made and converted firearms.
This video explores pre-Collier repeating firearms, challenging the notion that Colt invented the concept. It details early designs from the 1590s, focusing on engineering challenges like the cylinder gap and advancements in priming systems. The discussion covers unique solutions like the Dolep/Giorgio funnel breech and the massive Chambers 'machine gun,' highlighting Samuel Colt's research into these historical mechanisms.
This video delves into the historical research behind the book "Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers of Elisha Collier and Artemas Wheeler." Professor Ben Nicholson discusses the unexpected discoveries and the extensive international research team involved in bringing the project to fruition. The focus is on the stories and historical context surrounding early revolvers, rather than a direct firearm review or demonstration.
This video is an update on the Kickstarter campaign for a book titled "Clockwork Basilisk," which focuses on the early revolvers of Elisha Collier and Artemas Wheeler. The creator highlights several stretch goals that have been achieved, including extra content on Collier engravings, custom endsheets, a bookmark ribbon, and additional information on the Annely and Kolbe revolvers by Jonathan Ferguson. The next upcoming stretch goal is a custom frontispiece illustration. The description provides a direct link to the Kickstarter page for viewers to learn more and support the project.
This video announces the launch of "Clockwork Basilisk," Headstamp Publishing's fifth book. Written by Professor Ben Nicholson and a research team, the book is a two-volume study focusing on the early revolvers of Elisha Collier and Artemas Wheeler, predating Sam Colt's innovations. It details their flintlock single-action revolvers, military trials, decorative aspects, fakes, reproductions, and their impact on later revolving firearm designs. Volume two is a comprehensive catalog of Collier revolvers with detailed information and appendices. The book is available for pre-order on Kickstarter with various editions and bonus materials.
This review details a rare Salvatore Mazza gold-inlaid percussion revolver, a refinement of the Elisha Collier design. It highlights Mazza's background as director of the Royal Arms Factory and his subsequent success in Naples. The video explains the manual operation, unique gas-shield mechanism, and muzzle-loading process, emphasizing its status as an expensive, luxury item for wealthy collectors predating Colt's innovations.
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