Ancient Firearms

Here, you'll see the transition between firearms of the Old World and the new colonies. This gallery tells the story of the integral role that guns played in early American exploration, settlement, survival and trade-from the discovery of gunpowder to the first hand cannon to development of the wheel-lock hunting rifle.

Significant Firearms in Gallery 2

• Mayflower Gun thought to have been brought over from England by John Alden
• European Hand Cannon, the oldest gun in the museum's collection, dating back to 1350
• French Wheel-Lock Target/Hunting Rifle
• German "Ball Butt" Dag Pistol
• "Rattail" Pistol Pair