Flintlock Longrifle

David Cooley

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

David Cooley's rifles have an uncluttered appearance and feature crisp, high relief carving, fine engraving, and elegant overall architecture. This is perhaps the most refined of his few surviving works. He was strongly influenced by his proximity to two important schools of gunmaking: the Emmitsburg School, to the south in Maryland, and the Chambersburg School, to the west in Franklin County.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art