Family Guns

Family Guns is an engaging and educational reality television series, originally aired on National Geographic in 2012. The show provides a unique perspective into the world of antique and high-end collectible firearms while shedding light upon exciting historical narratives that surround these artefacts. The show stands out not only for its portrayal of historical firearms but also for its central characters; the family who passionately specializes in their acquisition, sale and restoration.

The series revolves around Christian Cranmer, a retired British Army major who has transformed his life-long fascination with historical military artifacts into a thriving business. Along his journey, his son Alex Cranmer joined him in running the International Military Antiques (IMA), making it a successful father-son enterprise located in Gillette, New Jersey. This business is recognized as one of the world's foremost retailers of historically significant military collections.

What sets Family Guns apart is the manner in which it intertwines the business aspect of antique militaria trade with a palpable enthusiasm for history and the stories that these objects carry. Each episode unravels a distinct story with a coveted piece of artifact takes center stage, whether it's a centuries-old blunderbuss, a WWII era flame-thrower or a rare medieval broadsword. The Cramers don’t just trade antiques, they revive history, bringing myriad tales of courage, valor, leadership, and strategy on the historical stage.

As a reality series, Family Guns also provides a glimpse behind the curtain of the antique firearms trade. It explores the egos, the tense negotiation, the adrenaline of unearthing rare finds, and the thrill of closing high-stakes deals. The series reflects a business where every artefact is unique, every deal a gamble, and every negotiation a potential historical revelation.

Christian Cranmer's background as a British army major lends authenticity to his passion and expertise in the field. His idiosyncratic personality and principled negotiation style infuse humor and humanity into the series. His camaraderie with son Alex, who brings his business acumen and contemporary sensibilities, forms the heart of the series. Kate, although not directly involved in the business, often provides a refreshing perspective on the artefacts and the associated narratives.

Family Guns is not just about gun trade or making profits. It aims to preserve history and share it with interested viewers, enlightening them about the political, military and technological changes that have shaped the world over the centuries. The guns and the associated artifacts serve as tangible reminders of world-changing events and historical figures.

Each episode involves an exciting adventure either acquiring, researching, restoring, or selling a particular piece. The viewer is taken along for the ride as Christian and Alex travel around the world, visiting places like Soviet military bases and British castles, or navigating the complexities of international military surplus industry.

Family Guns offers a treat for history buffs, firearms enthusiasts, and even the casual viewer who enjoys intriguing narratives and dynamic family relationships. It's a balanced mix of history lessons, reality television drama, and family dynamics.

Family Guns stands apart in its unique approach to history, focusing not just on events but on the objects and artefacts that were integral to them. It combines the thrill of treasure hunting with the satisfaction of preserving and sharing history. With the captivating Cranmer family at the center of it all, Family Guns becomes far more than a series about antiques; it is a journey into the captivating world of historical artifacts and the stories they carry.

In all, Family Guns takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the annals of military history and back, while simultaneously capturing an intimate look at the distinctive dynamics of a family-run business. It's a show about passion, family, history, business, adventure and much more; rolled into a single exciting and educational series. Whether one is drawn to the allure of forgotten histories, the thrill of discovery, or the dynamics of a passionate family, Family Guns provides a hearty dose of it all. With its sincere passion for history and its ability to convey that in a dynamic, engaging manner, Family Guns offers a unique viewing experience.