Black Powder Collection

Use of an arquebusse, 16th century
Spanish arquebusier, 1500s. Hand-colored 19th-century woodcut reproduction of an earlier illustration

HSET2A-00116
Hunter in buckskin carrying a turkey home through the winter woods. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration by A.B. Frost

Cannon lighting tool, 18th century
Cannon lighting tool in history of artillery demonstration at Yorktown battlefield, Virginia. Digital photograph

Portuguese swivel gun, 17th century
Portuguese swivel gun from the 1600s, an artillery demonstration at Yorktown battlefield, Virginia. Digital photograph

Brass swivel gun, often used as naval artillery, 1700s
Brass swivel gun from the French and Indian War, in artillery demonstration at Yorktown battlefield, Virginia. Digital photograph

EVRV2A-00044
Continental soldier loading his musket, American Revolution. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Gunpowder brought to Boston from Fort Ticonderoga, 1775
Colonists transporting powder from Fort Ticonderoga to defend Boston, 1775. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century Howard Pyle illustration

Gunpowder ingredients, 1940s C018 / 0681
Gunpowder ingredients. Worker displaying the raw materials used for the production of gunpowder (also known as blasting powder or black powder)

Sodium nitrate for gunpowder, 1940s C018 / 0680
Sodium nitrate for gunpowder. Worker using a scoop to move sodium nitrate at an industrial site for the production of gunpowder (also known as blasting powder or black powder)

Portuguese swivel gun fired by reenactors
Portuguese swivel gun from the 1600s, artillery demonstrated by reenactors at Yorktown battlefield, Virginia. Digital photograph

EVRV2A-00251
Minutemen bringing gunpowder to use in the Battle of Bunker Hill, 1775. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration by Howard Pyle

Patriots moving ammunition before the British arrive in Concord, 1775
Women and children removing military supplies from Concord ahead of the British attack, 1775. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

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"Unleashing the Power: A Journey through the History of Black Powder" Step back in time to the 16th century, where an arquebusse ignites with a deafening boom. HSET2A-00116 captures this pivotal moment when black powder revolutionized warfare. Fast forward to the 17th century, witness a Portuguese swivel gun firing with precision and force. Its impact on naval battles was unparalleled, as seen in this remarkable image. As we enter the 1700s, brass swivel guns dominate naval artillery, shaping maritime history forever. These powerful cannons safeguarded ships against enemies and defended nations across oceans. The 18th-century cannon lighting tool takes center stage next. EVRV2A-00044 showcases how skilled hands carefully ignited black powder-filled cannons, unleashing destruction or protection upon command. Intriguingly, gunpowder played a crucial role during Boston's revolutionary times. Witness Gunpowder brought from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston in 1775 (EVRV2A-00251), symbolizing rebellion and determination for independence. Delve into the secrets of gunpowder production during World War II with C018 / 0681 - Gunpowder Ingredients from the 1940s. Discover how meticulous combinations created explosive power that shaped modern warfare. Sodium nitrate emerges as a key ingredient for gunpowder manufacturing (C018 / 0680). This chemical marvel transformed warfare strategies globally by enhancing firepower like never before imagined. Prepare for an awe-inspiring spectacle as you witness a breathtaking gunpowder explosion. Feel its raw energy reverberate through your veins while contemplating its immense historical significance. Experience history come alive once more as reenactors fire a Portuguese swivel gun (EVRV2A-00251). Immerse yourself in their dedication to preserving our past while honoring black powder's enduring legacy.