Weapons

There existed a collection of firearms and cutting weapons in Quex House before Major Powell-Cotton was born, reflecting the military connections of earliest members of the family, particularly John Powell Powell's (1769-1849) interest in cannon. Indeed, Quex gardens now contain one of the largest private collections of cannon in the UK. Major Powell-Cotton added a considerable number of weapons collected on his travels, as well as those he used himself. Much more recently, firearms legislation has resulted in donations of yet further examples and the Museum now has one of the most diverse collections of firearms in the south of England.

The firearms collection ranges from a good series of early flintlock and percussion lock weapons through to modern centre-fired weapons. Noteworthy items include a Needle gun - the first centre-fired breach-loading weapon ever made - and a small series of firearms by the renowned gunsmith, Henry Nock.

The cutting weapons - swords, knives and axes - originate from England, Europe, North Africa, Asia and Japan, and were mostly collected by Major Powell-Cotton before the turn of the 20th century. The Asian weapons are varied and well documented, making this small collection of more than 100 weapons highly valued for research.