John Smith Workshop Collection September 8, 2008

The Museum's John Smith Workshop Collection is a virtually complete gunsmith's workshop from the nineteenth century era of black powder weapons. The Museum was fortunate to acquire this remarkable collection because it is one of the few of its kind remaining in America. Visitors can study and appreciate the full range of the early American gunsmith's craft. Imagine a Complete 19th Century Gunsmith's Workshop! Smith's tools, both American and European in design, represent the full range of equipment used by a 19th century gunsmith. The Collection's display includes everyday tools - like hammers and wood mallets, files, vices, and anvils; highly specialized equipment - such as bullet mold tool bits; wooden templates for gun stocks; Smith's personally designed gun mounting, crafted in a variety of metals and John's handmade leather work apron that luckily has survived the years.