John Stoneacre Ellis

John Stoneacre Ellis

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The first examples of European arms and armor entered the Metropolitan Museum in 1896 with the gift of the small collection of John Stoneacre Ellis (1828–1896), probably acquired during his travels in Europe in 1875–76. Of very mixed quality, it was among the earliest collections of arms and armor in America. Ellis was an army officer in California, fought in the Civil War, and later settled in Westchester County, New York.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

John Stoneacre EllisJohn Stoneacre EllisJohn Stoneacre EllisJohn Stoneacre EllisJohn Stoneacre Ellis

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. 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, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.