(OK) Museum gallery displays great American firearms

[Drizzt]

Copyright 2002 The Sunday Oklahoman
THE SUNDAY OKLAHOMAN


May 05, 2002, Sunday CITY EDITION

SECTION: DESTINATIONS; Pg. 2

LENGTH: 541 words

HEADLINE: Museum gallery displays great American firearms

BYLINE: Staff Reports

BODY:
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum has opened the
Weitzenhoffer Gallery of Fine American Firearms, highlighting
the craftsmanship and artistry of American firearms in the 19th
century.

The new gallery features a select group of more than 100
firearms manufactured during the Victorian Era and focuses on the
aesthetic character, rarity and appreciation of the excellence and
artistry of American armsmaking.

The gift of Max Weitzenhoffer of Norman, the firearms collection
represents a major acquisition for the museum that broadens and
enriches its interpretive and educational programs. The products of Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company,
America's premiere gun producer during the 19th century, are well
represented in the Weitzenhoffer Collection. Other well-known
domestic firms, including Remington, Smith & Wesson, Winchester,
Sharps, Marlin and Parker Brothers, enhance the collection and gallery.

Located within the museum's fine art galleries, the
1,000-square-foot Weitzenhoffer Gallery resembles the atmosphere of
a late 19th century gentleman's study with its walnut casework and
rich interior fabrics.

Each firearm in the exhibition is custom-mounted and illuminated
with fiber-optic lighting. Text panels and descriptive labels
accompanied by graphics inform and educate visitors.

Installation of the new exhibit was funded by Ackerman McQueen
of Oklahoma City.

The exhibit is a chance to appreciate fine American firearms and
an opportunity to learn.

Take, for example, a Breech-loading cartridge Rifle Winchester
Model 1866. Text in the display informs visitors: "Although the
Ulrich brothers (Conrad, Herman and John) are the best known
engravers of deluxe, 19th century Winchesters, equally exquisite
ornamentation came from the bench of free-lance artisan Louis D.
Nimschke of New York City.

"Among his finest work, the gold-plated frame, forend cap and
buttplate of this display crisp, relatively dense yet flowing
scrollwork over a punched-dot ground."

With every step and every turn, a visitor will see a combination
of history and great craftsmanship.

One exhibit is a Breech-loading Cartridge Revolver, Smith &
Wesson Model 3, Russian Third Model, 1874-1878. This particular one
is fitted with special-order ivory grips from the factory.

Using advanced manufacturing technologies, American gun makers
mass-produced firearms that rivaled European standards of
craftsmanship, while providing quality design and firepower.

Often employing skilled emigrant artisans, they also competed in
the creation of wonderfully decorated firearms displaying the
talents of master finishers, platers, engravers and inlayers of
brass, steel, silver and gold, as well as expert carvers in rare
woods, ivory and pearl. This balance of industry and artistry among
19th century American firearms makers is evident in the
Weitzenhoffer Gallery.

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63,
held a reception in April to dedicate the new Weitzenhoffer Gallery
of Fine American Firearms.

The area is dedicated in memory of the museum's former executive
director Ken W. Townsend, who died in August 2001.

GRAPHIC: Photo 1: Collectible firearms such as this Colt Model 1849 muzzle-loading percussion revolver are featured in the Weitzenhoffer Gallery at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Photo 2: This breech-loading Winchester rifle is on display in Weitzenhoffer Gallery. - STAFF PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY

LOAD-DATE: May 8, 2002

[4V50 Gary]

That's the way museums ought to be - a gallery set up like a den with racks upon racks of fine weapons. All we need is a lounge chair, fireplace and a drink.

[Jim V]

Yep, comfortable chairs, fireplace, brandy and fine cigars. (And I don't smoke but I'd sure enjoy a cigar in that setting.)

Perhaps a chance to shoot the exhibits too.