With over one-third of their guns having been affected by the DC gun laws, the National Museum of Crime & Punishment is preparing to put on display historic guns that were banned before last week’s historic Supreme Court decision.
“Even as a museum, we were not allowed to display guns that were made after 1898. To showcase our guns, they either needed to be destroyed, replicas, or be placed in storage, until the ban was lifted,” said Janine Vaccarello, Chief Operating Officer of the museum. “With this ruling, we can display all our artifacts and offer the Firearms Training Simulation in its true form
Some of gun artifacts that can now be displayed are:
- U.S. Marshal Bill Tilghman”s Colt Caliber 32-20 U.S. Marshal Bill Tilghman’s Colt Police Positive Caliber 32-20, Serial 188699. This pistol is in Marshal Tilghman’s own “Clamshell” Holster. There are traces of blue but the metal surface is mostly a smooth grey. Both grips have been chipped at the heel. This revolver and holster are accompanied by voluminous documentation. Bill Tilghman was the best known of the Indian Territory Deputy U.S. Marshals. With Heck Thomas and Chris Madsen, they were known as “The Three Guardsmen”. B-
- Remington Double Derringer Caliber 41 R.F. Remington Double Derringer Caliber 41 R.F. serial number 98. This is the Type II (Flayderman) late production (two line address on top rib) The left side of the hinge has been repaired (braised). This derringer was owned and carried by the famous Indian Territory Sheriff Buck Garrett. Buck Garrett was an interesting Old West character.
- Colt – 1908 Model M – Hammerless pistol – .380 ACP -Tony Saucier collection. – [8tsm036] – s/n 61529 – C&R ffl ** Type/model found on Dillinger’s body as reported by FBI **
The museum is located on 7th Street NW between E and F Streets in downtown Washington, D.C. at the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro (Arena exit).
