The Japanese Chose the Smith & Wesson

This 70-page book is the result of over 30 years of research on the subject of 19th century Smith & Wesson pistols imported and used in Japan. This new publication covers Smith & Wesson Model 1, Model 1 1/2, Model 2 Army, and Model 3 revolvers imported into Japan from the mid-1850s through the early 1900s. These pistols represented both private-commercial and military sales. The Model 2 Army revolvers were the first handguns purchased in quantity by the Japanese government. The four variations of the Model 3 revolvers were the first official handguns adopted by both the Imperial Japanese Army and the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Model 3 revolvers served through the end of the Second World War and were among the most prized souvenirs brought back by U.S. Veterans. Recorded data has been analyzed and a nearly complete understanding has been obtained of the Meiji Era firearm registration process. This requirement resulted in most of the Japanese markings appearing on these pistols under study. The book contains what is most likely the only detailed analysis of this process and its application to Smith & Wesson pistols in print. The book consists of the appropriate chapters extracted from Japanese Imported Arms Of The Early Meiji Era and expanded with additional detailed color photographs of weapons and newly reported examples. Consisting of 70 pages, the book covers the subject matter with many color and black and white photographs, original drawings, and a detailed listing of known surviving examples and translations of their markings.. Included in the book are tables and charts identifying and translating the common registration and other markings as found on many of the revolvers identified in this study. If you have an interest in antique Japanese Arms, or antique Smith and Wessons, there is something in this book for you. 70pp.