SEPTEMBER 2, 2015
Historic firearms exhibit to showcase eight centuries of weapons, Sept. 12-13
A six-shot Colt revolver or cartridge-loading rifle – common weapons of the pioneer, lawman, and cowboy of the Old West – are considered old-time firearms; but not old enough!
Think EIGHT centuries of historic firearms at Sharlot Hall Museum for a special two-day exhibition, September 12 and 13.
On display will be weapons from the mid-1300s and early 1400s, through the colonial times, Revolutionary and Civil War eras, into the Indian wars and the taming of the West, to weapons of today.
Flintlocks, hand-cannon, muzzle-loading shotguns, cap ‘n’ ball or cartridge pistols, muskets, lever-action rifles, revolvers, and modern semi-automatic weapons – historic weaponry on display at the “Showcase of Historic Firearms.”
Private gun collectors will exhibit antique and historical weapons, along with many from the Museum’s own collection spanning almost two centuries.
Stories will be shared, such as that of Indian scout Alchesay’s Marlin rifle, owned by this White Mountain Apache recognized with the Medal of Honor for his service during the Tonto Basin campaign during the winter 1872-1873, and who also participated in the events that led to the surrender of Geronimo in 1885.
Also on display will be a famous Winchester rifle used by “Buffalo Bill” Cody during his “Wild West Show” extravaganzas.
Some will be featured at presentations and demonstrations held throughout both days (without ‘real’ bullets) that highlight their storied pasts, from black-powder flintlock to 19th Century Creedmoor competition rifles and into the modern era with laser-guided accuracy.
In addition, a featured display will be the “Law ‘n’ Order” exhibit at the Museum, commemorating Arizona’s “Old West” history and 150 years of law enforcement by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
Rest assured, collectors and devotees of weaponry will be on hand for the “Showcase of Historic Firearms” with many tales to tell.
Whether you are a gun-collecting devotee or an enthusiast of historical weaponry, or simply curious to learn more about the Old West and the evolution of firearms – you do not want to miss out on this two-day event.
The “Showcase of Historic Firearms” runs Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Museum. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for museum members, and free to youth 15-and-under.
For more information visit www.sharlot.org or call 928-445-3122. Sharlot Hall Museum is located at 415 West Gurley Street, two blocks west of the Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott.
