Weapons

The Art of Warfare

 

The Knohl Collection includes a fascinating assemblage of antique weapons from around the world: from horrific Oriental trident daggers dating back to the sixteenth century to Flintlock muskets used in the War of 1812 to nineteenth century Turkish blunderbusses elaborately inlaid with mother of pearl.

Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made. Each weapon in the collection represents both human tragedy and triumph, and collectively provides an insight into the evolution of weaponry and warfare in Europe, Asia, and North America.