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
Rigby Great Coat Pistols
Founded in Dublin, Ireland in 1735, the gun making firm of Rigby continues to be one of the oldest continuing in business today. This finely cased example of gentleman's coat pistols was produced in their Dublin shop in the mid 1800's. The pistols feature full coverage engraving, an exquisite deep pattern Damascus style barrel finish, hand checkered stocks and a case with all of the appropriate accoutrements. Unique to this set is a hidden ball compartment found under the back-strap that holds 3 additional bullets. Once the ammunition supply was exhausted the owner could resort to using the spring loaded dagger that is fixed to the left side of the frame.