This is a set of the ArmaLite AR-16 and AR-18 Sales Brochures from the 1960s.  These were intended for the commercial/international market.  The AR-16 would never come to fruition.  Its smaller caliber descendant the AR-18 would only be produced in modest numbers and was considered a commercial failure.

These brochures are a very rare and highly prized example of early ArmaLite AR Rifle marketing material.

The AR-16 measures 11″ x 8 3/8″ while the AR-18 is slightly larger at 11″ x 8 1/2″.  Each brochure is 13 pages with photographs and specifications for the rifle.

AR-16 THE ARMALITE COMBAT RIFLE

Date –  1959-1961.  Most sources indicate 1960 as likely year.

Condition – Very Good

There is minor yellowing on the borders of all pages.  The pages themselves are still white with no yellowing.  There are no rips, tears, folds, creases or other signs of damage to any pages.  The photos and text are clear with no fading.  The staples are clean showing no rust.

The most significant blemishes are:

Back cover – slightly more yellowing at spine,  there are a few tiny spots of discolorations either from aging or storage.

Front cover -slightly more fade to the whiteness,  some small spots of yellowing either from age or from storage, hand writing on top upper left appears to be a name and the number 173.

AR-18 THE ARMALITE COMBAT RIFLE CALIBER 5.56mm

Date –  Best guess is between 1964-1967 as it is in the same format of the AR-16 and probably an early pre-production promo to drive sales.

Condition – Good

There is minor yellowing on the borders of all pages.  The pages themselves exhibit more yellowing on the first three creeping in from border.  There are no rips, tears, or other signs of damage to any pages.  The photos and text are clear with no fading.  The staples are clean showing no rust.

The most significant blemishes are:

Back cover – More yellowing encroachment from borders.

Front cover – Distinct and pronounced yellowing around border.  It appears as if it had been covered by a smaller document for many years which protected that portion of the cover.  There is a four inch crease/fold in the lower right corner.  While not severe it appears on the next three pages but diminishes in visibility by the third page.  In certain light at certain angles it is barely visible.