Thomas B. Nelson

Thomas Baird Nelson, loving father, grandfather, uncle, husband and friend, passed Friday, September 15th at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, MI. Tom was born on November 6, 1935 in New York City, son of the late James Morange Nelson and Dorothy Baird Jorgensen, and brother of James Nelson. As a boy, he developed a love of fishing and shooting while enjoying many camping trips in Northern Michigan and Canada with his father and younger brother, Jim. At an early age, Tom had a fascination with history, which developed into a passionate interest in small arms, their mechanics, and historical significance. During his studies at the University of Miami in Oxford, OH, and the University of Cincinnati (Sigma Chi), he started gathering the information for his first book. After college, he traveled throughout Europe collecting data and photos of firearms from multiple armament companies. When he returned from Europe, he enlisted in the Army. After he finished his Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY, he met his mentor and longtime friend, Col. George Burling Jarrett. It did not take Colonel Jarrett long to discover young Tom Nelson was a highly intelligent individual with a wealth of knowledge about small arms and World History. Col. Jarrett arranged for Tom to attend Technical Ordinance Intelligence School. Col. Jarrett became Tom’s mentor, and worked with him at the Aberdeen Proving Ground Museum. While stationed in Arlington, VA,Tom married his long-time girlfriend, Joy Arlene Gilbert of Cincinnati. Tom worked diligently on writing his first book, with Joy typing page after page. The World’s Submachine Guns was published in 1963. It was the first book of its kind. Tom was 27 years old when the book was published. It is 739 pages of information on more than 300 submachine guns, has been reprinted four times, and translated in more than 20 languages. In the Foreword, Tom wrote, “It had been my desire to see a book published which would deal exclusively and extensively with the topic of submachine guns”. “When no such book appeared, I decided to gather what information and photographs I had collected through the years and to make the attempt myself.” In 1980, Volume 1 was followed by The World’s Machine Pistols and Submachine Guns (co-authored with Daniel Musgrave), and his publication of The World's Fighting Shotguns (authored by Thomas Swearengen). At the time of his passing, Tom and his long-time friend and co-author, Gary Johhnston had just completed work on their capstone book, an updated edition of The World’s Assault Rifles, with over 1100 pages of technical data covering assault rifles from around the world. It is considered the most comprehensive collection of assault rifle research of its kind and is expected to be published shortly. When he left the Army, Tom entered the private sector, and worked at Interarms in Alexandria, VA. He traveled extensively for the company, and made valuable contacts internationally in the arms industry. In the late 1960’s Tom left Interarms to start his first import-export company, Replica Models, in Alexandria. His agent in Asia showed him a replica 1911 Colt .45 Automatic and asked if he thought there would be any interest in the United States. Replica Models was born and later became The Collector’s Armoury, selling more than two million replica arms and accoutrements to a wide variety of markets, including Military and Police Training Centers, and various venues in the entertainment industry. In the course of his life, Tom became a well-known importer/exporter in the industry. His passports are laden with colorful stamps from multiple countries in Asia, Central and South America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Tom frequently acted as a consultant and liaison for the U.S. Government in international matters throughout Latin America, Europe, and Asia. He formed friendships and lasting bonds with industry icons; Henk Visser, Gordon B, Ingram, Uzi Gal, Eugene Stoner and Lt. General Mikhail Kalashnikov. In 2019, Tom was presented the Lt. Colonel George M. Chinn Award for his lifelong contribution to firearms research, an achievement of which he was very proud. He was nominated by a number of accomplished men in the industry, including Captain William Shepherd, U.S. Navy Seal, astronaut, and Commander of the First International Space Station who wrote, “I know of no one who has contributed more to our knowledge of the military small arms field.” Tom and Joy loved to entertain at their homes in Alexandria, Va and in Northern Michigan! Many were treated to Tom’s smoked turkey or fresh caught fish. An avid fisherman, many friends, family and grandchildren remember trips to Petobago, Elk, Torch or Skegemog Lakes. His greatest catch was a 42” Muskie caught in Skegemog Lake. Tom also loved visiting Spain (where he enjoyed watching Flamenco dancing), and South America (where he watched the Tango). Tom was a Classical Jazz aficionado, and attended performances by such greats as Sarah Vaughn, Tony Bennett, and Buddy Rich. Additionally, he was a “die hard” Redskins fan, and frequently watched them play at R.F.K. Stadium. Those who know Tom know he had his “business side”, However, his family and friends know Tom as a generous soul who rarely turned away anyone who asked for help, he positively affected so many lives. He is fondly remembered by his children: Tracy Nelson Geschickter and husband Brian, Lori Nelson Cochran and husband Rick, Scott Gilbert Nelson and wife Michele, Ross Taylor, and his grandchildren; Alexa and Isabel Botha, Mac and Hank Nelson, and Katie and Garrett Geschickter. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends consider donating to the Tunnels To Towers Foundation. https://t2t.org/ The family has celebrated his life privately.

Thomas B. Nelson

November 6, 1935 - September 15, 2023