Mardi Gras Shipwreck

Weapons Box

Introduction

The following sketch was created from video captures of weapons box taken at the site. At least eight pistols are stored at the end of the box. The illustration suggests the current configuration of the pistols.

A box containing a variety of arms, including pistols, muskets, and edged weapons (such as sabers or swords) was discovered at the wreck site. These weapons contain important diagnostic information which can aid archaeologists in hypothesizing a date, nationality, and/or context for the shipwreck itself. Firearms are frequently stamped or engraved with marks indicating the manufacturer, date, national affiliation, and in the case of military arms, regimental marks and/or rack numbers. The types of weapons at the wrecksite and the shipboard location of the arms, if determinable, could indicate the purpose of the vessel for military use, trade, or for gunrunning/privateering. Many specific details regarding ownership or manufacture of the firearms and edged weapons will potentially be discovered during the conservation of the weapons.