Collectors of antique firearms have undoubtedly heard of the late Henry M. Stewart, Jr., a 1935 graduate of VMI, and his legendary collection of antique guns. Many pieces of his collection are one-of-a-kind or the only known surviving example of a particular type.
Stewart bequeathed the collection to Virginia Military Institute, his alma mater. Besides the fascinating collection of arms and accoutrements, Stewart’s collection contains many books and papers dealing with firearms, and over 350 government patent office models – valuable resources for serious researchers.
The display of firearms is part of the VMI Museum, located in Memorial Hall. The collection consists of more than 800 pieces, with the majority on display. The exhibit contains examples of well-known names in the development of the revolving cylinder firearms—sometimes called “wheel guns”-- such as Colt, and many obscure manufacturers and gunsmiths known mainly to experts and collectors. A particularly interesting display of over fifty guns traces the search in the mid-1800s for a successful revolving cylinder firearm, which could fire multiple shots before reloading.
Visitors can also explore one of the largest exhibits of “air rifles” in the nation. Among the most interesting individual pieces is a .30 caliber air gun many historians believe was carried by Lewis and Clark on their famous ‘Voyage of Discovery’ from 1803 to 1806. The gun operated by being pumped up to 700 pounds per square inch, and then could be fired repeatedly for up to 40 rounds. It amazed the Native Americans who saw it demonstrated, and still interests scholars today.
Other rare and interesting pieces include the Porter revolving vertical turret rifle and the Allen and Cochran turret gun. Both were efforts to invent a successful repeating rifle in the 1800s. The Artemis Wheeler Revolving Carbine is one of only four bought by the US Navy in 1821.
The museum is located in Memorial Hall on the VMI Post, and is open 9-5, seven days a week. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for youth ages 6–12. Children under six are admitted free of charge. Residents of Buena Vista, Lexington, and Rockbridge County receive free admission. Visitors can save up to 30% with a bundled ticket that includes admission to the Jackson House Museum, the VMI Museum, and the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. Group rates are available with advance reservations.
For more information, go to http://www.vmi.edu/museums-and-archives/vmi-museum/
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