Books: Manufacture of the Model 1903 & The Rock Island 03'

[Rick the Librarian]

The "Manufacture" book was published (as I understand it) in extremely small quantities, which is (was?) the reason, I assume for the high price.

If you want to REALLY see a book that has increased in value, try finding a copy of C.S. Ferris' and John Beard's Springfield Model 1903 Service Rifle: Production and Alteration, 1905-1910, which details the many changes made to the M1903 during its early years. A small, 66-page book which is still (IMHO) the best book on this subject. Used copies go from $100 to $260!!

I believe the book originally was privately published by C.S. Ferris and, I believe, sold for something like $7.50. The heck with mutual funds, the stock market, etc.! I should have invested in these books and bought a gross!

The only similar book that comes to mind is Charles Clawson's "small" book on the M1911 ... which sold for about $35.00 8-10 years ago. Now, copies run (when you can find them) in the $500 range!!