The Guns That Won the West
Discover the fine American firearms in the A. Max Weitzenhoffer Collection
Colt Muzzle Loading Percussion Revolver (1837) by Colt’s Patent Arms Manufacturing Co.Company, Paterson, New JerseyNational Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The classic Colt
Colt Belt Model No. 3 Paterson revolver. Still retaining nearly new, unfired condition, fewer than 500 of these weapons were produced in 1842.
Fine Firearms Gallery (2015) by National Cowboy & Western Heritage MuseumNational Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
How firearms were part of the Western story
Innovation in weaponry by makers such as Colt, Remington, and Winchester was part of the security of America's expansion into new territory.
The Colt Model 1860 Army wins the West
This cased pair of inscribed, presentation Model 1860 Army revolvers represents a significant rarity in Colt firearms production. In excellent condition, the revolvers retain only mottled bluing, which has turned a rich plum-brown color. Still, they display considerable case-hardened color on their frames, nearly complete silver plating on the grip straps and trigger guards, full stock varnish, and quite distinct roll-engraved naval battle scenes on their cylinders.
Breech Loading Cartridge Revolver (1872) by Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co.Company, Hartford, ConnecticutNational Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
An iconic sidearm
An icon of the frontier West, the Single Action Army revolver ranks among the most famous and sought-after of all the Colt firearms.
Fine Firearms (2015) by National Cowboy & Western Heritage MuseumNational Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Elegance in arms
Housed in a richly appointed gallery, the Weitzenhoffer Collection consists of nearly 100 guns. Prominent within the collection are arms from premier 19th-century American gunmakers, including Colt, Remington, Sharps, Smith & Wesson, Winchester, Marlin and Parker Brothers.
Breech Loading Cartridge Revolver (1872) by Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co.Company, Hartford, ConnecticutNational Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The tiny details mattered
The revolver displays comparatively broad coverage in the elegant, foliate-scroll pattern (set off on a punched-dot, or stippled, ground) typical of the so-called American style.
A gun made to its owner's liking
The revolver is also fitted with special-order, mother-of-pearl grips.
Winchester's "Yellow Boy" (1866) by Winchester Repeating Arms Co.Company, New Haven, ConnecticutNational Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Gilded Age of engraving
This model 1866 Winchester sporting rifle epitomizes the splendid aesthetic attained by domestic arms manufacturers and engravers.
Scrollwork adds to the artistry
The gold-plated frame, forend cap, and buttplate of this piece display crisp, relatively dense, yet flowing scrollwork over a punched-dot ground.
Breech-Loading Cartridge Rifle (1875) by Parker Brothers Gun Co.Company, Meriden, ConnecticutNational Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
A Western investment
As the epitome of excellence in late-nineteenth-century American arms, this Parker, A-quality shotgun retailed for $300 in 1880 (the equivalent of about $5,350 today).
Innovations in action
The gun uses the early, lifter-type, tip-up action for breech-loading, and incorporates outside-hammer locks.
Winchester Promotional Cartridge Board (1890) by Winchester Repeating Arms Company, New Haven, ConnecticutNational Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Weapons of choice
Gun innovation in the 19th Century played a pivotal role in westward expansion, influencing everything from warfare to buffalo hunting and law enforcement. Companies and artisans added new dimensions to the style and importance of firearms in the American West.
Come Find Your West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Exhibit produced by The Staff of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
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