The Pasadena Days

The Pasadena Days Cover
The Pasadena Days Cover

This book chronicles the Auto Mag from Harry Sanford’s concept of the first stainless steel semi-auto magnum pistol to the bankruptcy of Auto Mag Corp.

The Auto Mag would eventually be made under nine different names, but the Pasadena guns were the earliest.

With the later manufacturing of the gun by Galena in Irwindale and then Sturgas, North Dakota, there ended up being 11 different manufacturers.

Some say it was the most beautiful handgun ever made.

It was a first in so many ways it soon became an industry landmark in handgun design.

The project engineer, Robert Barbasiewicz, kept a day-to-day notebook concerning the development of the gun during the experimental period.

It’s all here including all the associated drawings and factory memos.

The .45 ACP Auto Mag is discussed along with the pictures of some of the guns.

The engraved guns are discussed based on extensive interviews with the man who had them made, Bill Chizar.

The final patent that was issued for the gun is here.

A massive ad campaign generated even more sales than were hoped for.

All the ads are here. Ever wonder what happened during the bankruptcy?

Many questions are answered here, but many more questions arise.

146 pages long, 8 1/2″ x 11″, soft cover.

Over 40 pictures and over 90 drawings and illustrations.

The price is $35.00 which now includes shipping, priority mail. (as of November, 2004) California residents add 8.25% sales tax.

Please check with him for latest price and availability if you are outside of the USA.

Contact Information:

Bruce Stark
Box 3733
Van Nuys, CA 91407
bestark@ix.netcom.com

(818)780-8122 Evenings Only