C. W. Ammen
TAB Books; Self-Published
1979–1989
First Editions (TAB volumes). Paperbacks + duct-tape bound booklet.
A cohesive late-career author group by C. W. Ammen, comprising three signed first-edition TAB Books paperbacks (1979–1980s era) and a scarce self-published platinum study issued in 1989 in utilitarian taped binding.
Ammen was a prominent technical writer in applied metallurgy and small-foundry practice. His TAB manuals helped sustain serious independent metalcasting culture at the edge of industrial decline and pre-internet knowledge exchange.
Included Titles
• Casting Iron (TAB Books) – First Edition, Signed
• The Complete Handbook of Sand Casting (TAB Books) – First Edition, Signed
• The Metalcaster’s Bible (TAB Books) – First Edition, Signed
• Ammen on Platinum (Self-Published, 1989; duct-tape bound booklet)
The three TAB volumes represent first printings from the late 1970s–1980s wave of practical technical publishing aimed at advanced hobbyists and small shops. Signed copies are uncommon, as these were working manuals rather than presentation books.
Ammen on Platinum appears to be a late self-issued technical work devoted to the properties and handling of platinum. Its taped binding suggests limited production and direct distribution. By the late 1980s, platinum’s role in catalysis, industrial chemistry, and emissions control had made it materially strategic, lending contextual significance to the study.
Notable Features
• Three signed first-edition TAB paperbacks (1979–1980s)
• Late self-published platinum monograph (1989)
• Cohesive late-career author grouping
• Practical metallurgy and small-foundry focus
• Original printed wrappers (TAB volumes)
• Original taped binding (platinum booklet, as issued)
Condition
Very Good - Near Fine
TAB volumes: Light shelf wear to wraps; interiors clean; signed by the author.
Ammen on Platinum: Original taped binding; light wear consistent with issue; interior clean.
Why This Group Matters
These works reflect the persistence of hands-on industrial craft knowledge at the close of the 20th century. Issued just before the digital transformation of technical publishing, they represent an era when advanced metallurgical instruction circulated through specialized presses and direct author distribution.
Grouped together, the volumes document Ammen’s sustained engagement with applied metallurgy across a decade marked by industrial transition and technological specialization.
C. W. Ammen
TAB Books; Self-Published
1979–1989
First Editions (TAB volumes). Paperbacks + duct-tape bound booklet.
A cohesive late-career author group by C. W. Ammen, comprising three signed first-edition TAB Books paperbacks (1979–1980s era) and a scarce self-published platinum study issued in 1989 in utilitarian taped binding.
Ammen was a prominent technical writer in applied metallurgy and small-foundry practice. His TAB manuals helped sustain serious independent metalcasting culture at the edge of industrial decline and pre-internet knowledge exchange.
Included Titles
• Casting Iron (TAB Books) – First Edition, Signed
• The Complete Handbook of Sand Casting (TAB Books) – First Edition, Signed
• The Metalcaster’s Bible (TAB Books) – First Edition, Signed
• Ammen on Platinum (Self-Published, 1989; duct-tape bound booklet)
The three TAB volumes represent first printings from the late 1970s–1980s wave of practical technical publishing aimed at advanced hobbyists and small shops. Signed copies are uncommon, as these were working manuals rather than presentation books.
Ammen on Platinum appears to be a late self-issued technical work devoted to the properties and handling of platinum. Its taped binding suggests limited production and direct distribution. By the late 1980s, platinum’s role in catalysis, industrial chemistry, and emissions control had made it materially strategic, lending contextual significance to the study.
Notable Features
• Three signed first-edition TAB paperbacks (1979–1980s)
• Late self-published platinum monograph (1989)
• Cohesive late-career author grouping
• Practical metallurgy and small-foundry focus
• Original printed wrappers (TAB volumes)
• Original taped binding (platinum booklet, as issued)
Condition
Very Good - Near Fine
TAB volumes: Light shelf wear to wraps; interiors clean; signed by the author.
Ammen on Platinum: Original taped binding; light wear consistent with issue; interior clean.
Why This Group Matters
These works reflect the persistence of hands-on industrial craft knowledge at the close of the 20th century. Issued just before the digital transformation of technical publishing, they represent an era when advanced metallurgical instruction circulated through specialized presses and direct author distribution.
Grouped together, the volumes document Ammen’s sustained engagement with applied metallurgy across a decade marked by industrial transition and technological specialization.
