Rare Antique Guns Lost to Time: Forgotten Firearm History

Feb 3, 2024

An early, manually operated machine gun designed by James Puckle, it had a revolving cylinder and was capable of firing multiple rounds.

Puckle Gun (1718)

Used by Lewis and Clark during their expedition, this rifle was unique for its use of compressed air to propel bullets, making it one of the earliest examples of an air-powered firearm.

Girardoni Air Rifle (1779)

An early attempt at creating a repeating firearm, it featured a magazine that could hold multiple rounds of ammunition, allowing for rapid firing.

Lorenzoni Repeating Flintlock (c. 1680)

One of the earliest known revolvers, it had a rotating cylinder that could hold several rounds, providing a faster rate of fire compared to single-shot pistols.

Collier Flintlock Revolver (1818)

This was a breech-loading flintlock rifle, ahead of its time with its innovative design allowing for quicker reloading compared to muzzle-loading firearms.

Harper's Ferry Model 1803 (1803)

Invented by Patrick Ferguson, this breech-loading rifle had a unique breech mechanism, making it faster to reload than traditional muzzle-loading rifles.

Ferguson Rifle (1776)

A multi-barreled flintlock firearm designed for naval use, it featured seven barrels that could be fired simultaneously, creating a devastating volley of shots.

Nock Volley Gun (1779)