Mayflower Wheellock Carbine

Attributed to ownership by John Alden, one of the Pilgrim leaders of Plymouth Colony. Alden, who embarked on the Mayflower as a 20-year-old cooper, joined Captain Miles Standish's Militia to defend the settlers from outside attacks.

This single shot arm was originally a .50 caliber rifle, but extensive usage has removed almost all traces of rifling. Discovered during the restoration of Alden's home in Duxbury, Massachusetts in 1924, this piece is typical of many arms possessed by the early New England settlers. Alden's home was occupied by members of his family from 1653 through 1896. This home survived nearly 350 years without being ravaged by fire, a common fate of early American residences.