Flayderman's Guide to Antique Firearms

[model3sw]

I had called to ask if there were a new version of Flayderman's on the horizon and / or if anyone has taken over the Helm from Norm Flayderman.

I found both telephone numbers disconnected. I have tried a few internet searches but nothing regarding his publication and / or business.

I had the pleasure and honor of knowing Norm Flayderamn from 1992 to the time he passed in 2013, albeit, usually at Club functions. He was usually guest of honor at our year end dinners of the Palm Beach Collector's Club. I have all of his major publications, personalized to me.

Since his passing, is there any plans for his publications and / or business to be continued ?

Anyone have new contact numbers for whomever may have taken over ? Thanks, guys.

[mrcvs]

Originally Posted by model3sw

I
Since his passing, is there any plans for his publications and / or business to be continued?

I had wondered that myself, but I think, unfortunately, the answer is no. I do wish someone could take over, as his book is a real gem and contains information unavailable anywhere else.

[model3sw]

Originally Posted by mrcvs

I had wondered that myself, but I think, unfortunately, the answer is no. I do wish someone could take over, as his book is a real gem and contains information unavailable anywhere else.

I ask because the Blue Book of Gun Values has a new Antique American Firearms Price guide. I've yet to see it in print but Steve Fjestadt (BBGV publisher) allowed me online access to the new publications to review it.

If Flayderman's is no longer being printed, it would be great to have a quality replacement as the new "go to" guide for Antique Firearms, albeit Flayderman's prices were always to the more conservative side, his identification was mostly right on target

Last issue of have of Flaydermans is the 2007 issue which was the last one printed.

[mrcvs]

The trouble with the Blue Book is that prices are exaggerated, especially with regards to Colt Single Action Army Revolvers. The author of that section is a dealer who sells high end Colts. Prices are inflated, such that if I could get the inflated values he records for my Colt Single Action Revolvers, I would gladly sell them in a heartbeat! Granted, values in the Blue Book are retail, but even they are significantly exaggerated. A clear example of the fox being in the henhouse! Last time I looked, however, Smith & Wesson's in the Blue Book are far more realistically represented.

[model3sw]

There is just a short list of contributing editors to the BBGV on S&W, myself included. I mainly offer descriptive updates to BBGV but I hesitate with the values. I tend to be more conservative than raising a published value because a few have "seemed" to be sold at an outrageous price.

For example, I've been trying to solve the Pre-War Kit Gun phenomenon there for the past few years by asking to make contact with the person who originally volunteered the data that adds 300-400% to above values. I only wish it were true as I have 2 pristine pre-war Kit Guns that fall in those SN ranges.

Other things like the surge and drop in sales prices (or supposed sale prices) on certain model S&Ws that the production numbers were high and there never was any sort of shortage, just baffle me. e.g. the Highway Patrolman Magnums and 39-2, over the past few years ( just to name a few ) have peaks and valleys that seem way off.

[S&WsRsweet]

Originally Posted by model3sw

I ask because the Blue Book of Gun Values has a new Antique American Firearms Price guide. I've yet to see it in print but Steve Fjestadt (BBGV publisher) allowed me online access to the new publications to review it.

If Flayderman's is no longer being printed, it would be great to have a quality replacement as the new "go to" guide for Antique Firearms, albeit Flayderman's prices were always to the more conservative side, his identification was mostly right on target

Last issue of have of Flaydermans is the 2007 issue which was the last one printed.

There are a few of Mr Flaydermans books for sale on the web but they start at over 90 bucks and go up from there depending on condition ,I know this has nothing to do with what you asked but are his books now collectors items themselves ?

[JSR III]

Sal I think that you should buy the rights to the book and continue its publication. I also like the fact that you are a conservative estimator of S&W values as opposed to some that put prices on many that place them out of reach for many of us.

If you could, email or PM me the details of your two kit guns so I may add them to my database.

[model3sw]

Originally Posted by JSR III

Sal I think that you should buy the rights to the book and continue its publication. I also like the fact that you are a conservative estimator of S&W values as opposed to some that put prices on many that place them out of reach for many of us.

If you could, email or PM me the details of your two kit guns so I may add them to my database.

Jim, email sent. Sal

[gmborkovic]

Yea Sal, plunk down the cash and start to publish Norms book.
I want to see that. I will buy the first one only if it is autographed.
Mike

[JSR III]

Just by way of a little reminder to all S&W fans, Sal and I have been communicating about his 2 pre war kit guns. Since these guns follow the .22/32 HFT's that I originally built a database for and are in the same serial number sequence, I have been logging them as well.

Sal's 2 guns are almost 500 guns apart serial number wise and the higher numbered gun shipped 17 months before the lower numbered gun. Almost 1 1/2 years for guns less than 500 serial numbers apart.

Granted this was leading up to WWII and sales may have slowed a bit but interesting none the less.