Although the Colt’s Thuer conversion for percussion revolvers was not a commercial success, there was one meaningful development which took place. The system presented one of the earliest uses of reloadable centerfire cartridges and perhaps the only occasion where the gun itself functioned as a reloading machine. 

If you’ve ever been curious about those simple tools seen in cased Thuer conversion sets, here’s how they worked. The gun itself only required one modification — the end of the rammer was drilled and tapped to enable the re-priming plunger to be installed; otherwise, the tools were completely separate.

 

Two for a Colt Walker? 

That’s about what four and a half pounds of scrap iron and brass is worth. So what makes them regularly bring six figures when they change hands? Answer: we do. It’s good to remind ourselves from time to time that these chunks of iron, wood, ivory, and brass only have value because there is a universe of like-minded people who see material culture value where none intrinsically exists. Well-established collectors, those who can afford the high prices of today’s arms, are typically older folks with disposable income. 

Newer, younger collectors are often hard pressed to fork over big bucks for collectible arms. In order for the latter demographic to grow and provide a base for sustained value, there has to be an entry point. Stuart Mowbray’s Man-at-Arms magazine has recognized and effectively addressed this point by regularly featuring articles on inexpensive military and European weapons. 

We are hoping that this e-magazine approach will also reach and stimulate interest among younger potential collectors by providing a pathway to improve their knowledge. Starting with the next issue and recurring periodically, we will add a feature titled “ENTRY POINT” where we explore areas of arms collecting suitable for new enthusiasts to “get their feet wet” and discover the satisfaction of collecting without excessive expenditures. It is also well to remember the folks who mentored us along the way. 

Too often at gun club meetings, we’ve observed the closed cronyism that shuts out the newcomer. This often intimidates and drives away those we should be encouraging. The old adage that says, “the only dumb question is the one that wasn’t asked,” is the attitude of patience and friendliness we should all adopt when dealing with the new collector. We are fortunate to be involved in a category of high-quality collectables, along with fine art, coins, stamps, etc., where interest can be initiated at many age levels. Quality collectables have not only held their value during tough times but have served as a haven for capital preservation. On the other hand, many collectable categories can be designated “nostalgia collectables”. These, we believe, will ultimately lose value as their enthusiasts pass along.