Shots from the past
Antique arms exhibit marks season’s end at Wilder Museum
Trending
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a tenderfoot, a significant antique collection of arms to admire will be on display this Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Wilder Museum of Warren County, 51 Erie Avenue, Irvine. This unique historic collection comes from Brad Bogart, a historian and weapons collector.
A collector of antique guns since 1972 after returning home from Vietnam, Bogart has been a member of the Kentucky Rifle Association since 1984 and frequently attends their annual show and other events.
The historic assortment of arms includes weaponry dating back to the French and Indian War (1754-1763), such as Kentucky rifles, powder horns, knives and tomahawks. Powder horns were made from cow, buffalo or ox horns, which are non-sparking natural materials making it safe and easy to carry for hunters and soldiers to refill guns and cartridges out in the field. The horns were lightweight and waterproof, keeping their powder safe from the elements and ready to fire.
Bogart's gun display will take place in the Era-Gone-By Room which houses the Joseph DeFrees Antique Gun Collection. The collection includes French dueling pistols, Winchester rifles and more. DeFrees, a Warren County native, was a mid-20th century inventor and philanthropist.
The Antique Arms Exhibit is free and open to the public, donations are always welcome. This display will mark the end of the season for the Wilder Museum of Warren County but will open again next spring to serve the community and spread knowledge.
For more information, please call the Warren County Historical Society at (814) 723-1795, visit warrenhistory.org, or visit their page on Facebook.