EDMONDS, Walter D[umaux]. The Matchlock Gun. Illustrated by Paul Lantz. NY: Dodd, Mead, 1941. 8vo, xiv 50pp. Beige buckram cloth stamped in brown. Pictorial endpapers; 6 double-page color spreads, 6 full-page and numerous textual b&w illustrations. Light rubbing to lower spine end and corners, else a fine copy in original color pictorial dust jacket (light edge wear, slight chipping to spine ends and corners, lightly sunned).  

First edition. 1942 Newbery Medal Winner! Set in 1756 during the French and Indian War in New York, the story follows 10 year old Edward and his mother as they attempt to protect their home with an ancient Spanish matchlock gun while his father is away in the fighting. A bright copy of this scarce Newbery Medal winner, being in a jacket that still bears the original price of $2.00 and does not have a medal affixed to the cover.