Firearm enthusiasts, military historians, and the casual observer can all find something of interest in the extensive collection of historic guns, weaponry, beer steins, war propaganda posters, and other artifacts at the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum. A world- class collection, the museum delights visitors along historic Route 66 in northeastern Oklahoma.
History of the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum
The museum's founder, pioneer and businessman J.M. Davis (1887-1973), loved collecting guns from an early age. He filled his Mason Hotel in downtown Claremore, Oklahoma with weapons and other objects he had purchased, bartered, or obtained by other creative means. By the end of his life, Davis had a collection worthy of the Smithsonian's interest, but he insisted his legacy remain in Oklahoma. Today, the State of Oklahoma displays Davis’ collection in a museum blocks from Davis' former hotel.
Historic Guns at Oklahoma's J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum
The museum houses over 14,000 guns, according to their website. The collection includes rare and historic guns such as Colts and Winchesters that tamed the West, Napoleonic era pistols, an early Chinese cannon gun, MP-40 submachine guns and a MG 42 belt fed machine gun. The exhibits cover the complete history of world firearms, with guns from every country and time period on display.
An exhibit of every major American war and the arms used is of particular interest. The visitor can see the soldiers' firearms and other accessories from the Revolutionary War, Mexican War, Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the Iraqi Conflicts. The exhibits include other period artifacts such as powder horns, soldiers' souvenirs, and clothing so that the guns and those who used them come alive.
Oklahoma Davis Museum’s Outlaw Gun Collection
The museum showcases guns from Oklahoma’s Wild West Days before the territory became a state, such as a pistol owned by Emmet Dalton of the Dalton gang. Guns of Infamous gangsters of the 20s and 30s, such as Pretty Boy Floyd, and Bonnie of Bonnie and Clyde fame, and also on exhibit.
Weaponry at the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum
J.M. Davis enjoyed collecting a variety of weapons from all over the world and all periods of history in addition to guns. An impressive case of Japanese Samurai swords from the Middle Ages to World War II greet the visitor by the front door. Swords, sabers, knives, a conquistador's armor, and Native American flints are only a few of the war-related items in the collection.
J.M. Davis's Beer Stein Collection
Mr. Davis collected German beer steins. His collection includes steins from the 1850's through the early 1900's. This eclectic but amusing assortment of 1,200 steins includes examples of the famous Villeroy and Boch steins as well as steins of pewter, porcelain, and blue and gray.
Mr. Davis' personality as a military enthusiast shines through in the collection of war-related steins, including several depicting Kaiser Wilhelm in action. Other steins show scenes from daily life in Germany and praise good times with beer, reflecting the the good times Davis showed to those who visited his Claremore Hotel.
John Rogers Statuary, Musical Instruments, and Victorian Music Boxes Also in Claremore, Museum
Davis’ collection of John Rogers statuary shows his softer side. Rogers captured scenes from Victorian daily life in his sculptures. Mothers with children, families reading together, and other warming scenes of domestic life live forever in stone.
J.M. Davis also collected musical instruments and music boxes, as well as World War I propagahda posters from America and Canada. The poster collection, in particular, offers a glimpse into life and values during the early 1900’s.
Visiting the J.M. Davis Arms Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma
The J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum is located in Claremore, thirty miles northeast of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Museum admission is free, with donations suggested. Group tours are available with reservations. The museum’s gift shop, library, and educational programs offer other avenues to explore this treasure of world weaponry.
Whether the visitor prefers a Smith and Wesson pistol or the 18th century Blunder Buss, there’s a firearm for everyone at the J.M. Davis Gun and Historical Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma.
Sources:
Interview with Wayne McCombs, curator of the J.M. Davis Museum. September 2010.
J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum's website, accessed September 2010.
Melissa Roberts - A trained hospital chaplain, Melissa is a freelance writer, teacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
