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First-Edition Identification · Regional & Specialty Presses

How to Identify a Wesley B. Small / Squadron Shop-adjacent — Detail & Scale, Inc. First Edition

USA (Detail & Scale, Inc.; originally distributed through Squadron/Signal Publications) · c.1980-present (with reissues)

The fastest check: 1980s into the 2000s, Bert Kinzey's detailed-aircraft modeler monographs originally distributed via Squadron/Signal: softcover volumes that frequently carry an explicit statement of edition and printing on the copyright/title page. A first printing typically shows the sole original copyright year and a stated first printing; later printings add a revised date or higher printing statement.

How to identify a first printing

Decode the printer's key: paste the number line into the number-line decoder, search any title in the First Edition Checker, or run a book through the identifier.

Notable points & cautions

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Detail & Scale series, Colors & Markings series. Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Wesley B. Small / Squadron Shop-adjacent — Detail & Scale, Inc. book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. 1980s into the 2000s, Bert Kinzey's detailed-aircraft modeler monographs originally distributed via Squadron/Signal: softcover volumes that frequently carry an explicit statement of edition and printing on the copyright/title page. A first printing typically shows the sole original copyright year and a stated first printing; later printings add a revised date or higher printing statement. Volumes are numbered ('Detail & Scale Vol. NN'); that volume number is a catalog sequence identifying the title, not an edition state.

Does Wesley B. Small / Squadron Shop-adjacent — Detail & Scale, Inc. use a number line?

Volumes are numbered ('Detail & Scale Vol. NN'); that volume number is a catalog sequence identifying the title, not an edition state.

Is a book-club edition a Wesley B. Small / Squadron Shop-adjacent — Detail & Scale, Inc. first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Standard modeler's detail reference for U.S. military aircraft (cockpits, variants, markings); original Squadron/Signal-distributed printings are the collected firsts.

What era does this cover?

This covers Wesley B. Small / Squadron Shop-adjacent — Detail & Scale, Inc. (c.1980-present (with reissues)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.

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