The Galleries
- Robert E. Petersen Collection
- Ancient Firearms - 1350 to 1700
- Road to American Liberty - 1700 to 1780
- A Prospering New Republic - 1780 to 1860
- A Nation Asunder - 1861 to 1865
- The American West - 1850 to 1900
- Innovation, Oddities and Competition
- Theodore Roosevelt and Elegant Arms - 1880s to 1920s
- World War I and Firearms Innovation
- WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Beyond - 1940 to Present
- For the Fun of It
- Modern Firearms - 1950 to Present
- Hollywood Guns
French Model 1746 Flintlock Musket
This flintlock musket was captured and remodeled by the English Colonial Militia.
Model 1746 English/French Southwestern Colonial Flint-lock Musket (single-shot/ muzzle-loading/ black powder/ ball ammunition) The display specimen originated as a French Model 1746 military musket. It is evident however, that the arm was captured by Virginia militia during the last of the four French and Indian Wars (these lasted between 1681 and 1763). Converted after the wars with a new stock and barrel bands, the musket then served as a dual-purpose militia and domestic firearm. Accordingly, it still displayed the merits of a durable French military gun and a slimmed-down hunting arm. The firearm probably remained in service for many years, its owner being able to hunt or fight with it, depending on need. Considering the gun's condition, it may have even stood against the British in the American Revolution. --Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #14