Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art will employ a conservator to disassemble, examine, fully document, and treat 126 European firearms from the Kienbusch Collection. Predominantly intended for noblemen’s use in the hunt and target-shooting, these firearms represent the development of technology and craft from the early Renaissance through the 19th century. Each firearm will be disassembled and examined to enable full documentation of the construction, ornament, and interior firing mechanisms that are integral to understanding and preserving these objects. Treatment will provide much-needed stabilization of the objects, addressing urgent structural needs, corrosion, and aesthetic presentation. The project will be highlighted on the museum’s webpage and a conservation workshop will be organized for regional museums with firearms collections.