Canadian Historical Arms Museum News

A World War 2 Canadian Soldier's Souvenir

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 18:12:11 GMT

A World War 2 Canadian Soldier’s Souvenir.

Lieutenant John Forrester, a Veteran of the Irish Regiment of Canada, brought this German Field Cap to Canada from Europe after the war ended. The Italian camouflage pattern was used by the Germans to make uniforms and field caps, which were produced locally. The sweat band shows extensive use and shows sweat patterns.

Lieutenant Forrester was leading a patrol through a small Italian village when they encountered a German patrol. This cap was recovered from a German NCO after the encounter.

Feature Item - Colt Model 1860 Richards-Mason Conversion

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 18:01:15 GMT

Charles Brinckerhoff Richards, along with William Mason was granted patents from 1871 to convert percussion revolvers into rear-loading metallic cartridge revolvers. These converted revolvers are nowadays identified as the "Richards-Mason Conversion". There were approximately 2100 Richard-Mason 1860 Army Conversions made from 1877 to 1878 in a serial number range 5800 to 7900.

This original Colt Model 1860 Richards-Mason Conversion was converted by the Colt factory from .44 percussion to the .44 Colt centerfire cartridge. The .44 Colt cartridge itself was developed by Colt in 1871 specifically for use in the .44 Colt conversions of the 1860 Army revolvers. The cartridge was used by the US military from 1871 until 1873 after which it was replaced by the 45 Colt.

This model was produced from 1877-1878. The serial number of this particular revolver is #6799. It has an 8" barrel which was made specifically for this series of revolvers at the Colt Factory.

The original Caliífornia-style "Slim Jim" holster pictured dates from 1860-65. The 1860 Army Slim Jim holster was popular with both soldiers and civilians. It is well worn and shows some repair stitching. For collectors, it is a desirable piece of equipment to accompany the 1860 Army revolver.

CHAM partners with Select shooting Supplies Inc. to provide public display.

Dean Carr — Sat, 02 May 2020 01:11:50 GMT

We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Select Shooting Supplies Inc. of Cambridge, Ontario to provide the Canadian Historical Arms Museum (CHAM) with a permanent public display.

We are thrilled to be able to provide the public with the ability to see portions of our collection. The display will be changed out each month and will feature different aspects of our extensive collection said Gary Dare, CHAM curator.

We are excited to be able to assist CHAM in their endeavours to preserve historical firearms and artifacts and use them to educate future generations said Dean Carr, President of Select Shooting Supplies.

Recent CHAM display for Remembrance Day 2020