  The possibility of making stellar mass black holes in supernovae that
otherwise produce viable Type II and Ib supernova explosions is discussed and
estimates given of their number in the Milky Way Galaxy. Observational
diagnostics of stellar mass black hole formation are reviewed. While the
equation of state sets the critical mass, fall back during the explosion is an
equally important (and uncertain) element in determining if a black hole is
formed. SN 1987A may or may not harbor a black hole, but if the critical mass
for neutron stars is 1.5 - 1.6 M\sun, as Brown and Bethe suggest, it probably
does. Observations alone do not yet resolve the issue. Reasons for this state
of ambiguity are discussed and suggestions given as to how gamma-ray and x-ray
observations in the future might help.
