Arms and Militaria

Colonial Williamsburg's collection of arms and militaria contains a diverse array of materials focusing on what was used in early America, including firearms, edged weapons, military accouterments, musical instruments, and insignia like regimental badges and buttons.  Highlights include one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of 17th and 18th century British military firearms in the world. Featured are more than 200 "Brown Bess" muskets of the American Revolutionary era, the majority of which are displayed in period settings at the Governor's Palace and the Powder Magazine. Other weapons include swords, bayonets, firearms from the Dunmore family gun cabinet, and a number of important early American long rifles.