Weapons
Our diverse collection even contains a small number of weapons, 20 in total. It includes Flintlock Pistols and Blunderbusses from the nineteenth century as well as ceremonial swords and modern replica firearms.
Most of the weapons were used to defend the mail from attack. These objects reflect the danger that Post Office employees had to face in delivering the mail.
Examples from our Collection
Here are some examples of weapons in our collections:
Blunderbuss, 1788-1816
This would have been used by mail coach guards to protect mail coaches from attack.
Packet boat flintlock pistol, pre-1804
Used on packet boats to protect the mails against theft or piracy.
Duke of Teck’s sword, 1876-1900
Presented to the Duke to mark his service as Honorary Colonel of the Post Office Rifles.
Replica revolver, 20th century
Replicas like this were used in trial robberies of Post Offices for training purposes.
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