19 Photos of Antique and Iconic Firearms in Photos: Swiss 1882 Ordnance, Colt Thunderer, Civil War Muskets, and the Iconic Colt 1911

Written by Rachel Schneider on May 19, 2025

A highly ornate silver and gold revolver with intricate engravings lies on wooden planks next to a decorated brown cowboy hat.

There’s something undeniably cool about an antique gun. Maybe it’s the craftsmanship, the history, or just the way it feels like you’re holding a piece of another era. Whether you’re a collector, a history buff, or just stumbled across Grandpa’s old rifle in the attic, these photos of antique guns will transport you to another time.

1. Swiss 1882 Ordnance Revolver

A black revolver with a textured grip rests on a mossy brick surrounded by brown and yellow fallen leaves on the ground. — catsby90bbn

2. Colt 1877 Thunderer Revolver

A Colt revolver with a long barrel and black grip rests on a textured book titled "Colt Firearms 1836-1960" inside a wooden box. — CollectorsFirearms

3. 7mm Pin Fire

A close-up of a vintage revolver with a wooden grip lying on a wooden surface, next to a single spent brass bullet casing. — DoctorBallard77

4. Ode to the Civil War

A collection of vintage items on a table, including a rifle, bullets, a revolver, holster, knife, belt, binoculars, pocket watch, black wide-brim hat, and two tobacco pouches shaped like fish. — Under_Rule_303

5. Found in World War II

A vintage, single-shot firearm with a wooden grip and metal barrel, displayed on a plain black fabric background. The grip features carved grooves and the gun has a unique curved trigger guard. — typecastwookiee

6. Hopkins & Allen .32s

A wooden display case holding two engraved revolvers, various shotgun shells in different colors and sizes, and several vintage ammunition rounds, all neatly arranged in rows. — amphibious-assault

7. Now These Look Like Relics

Four antique pistols of varying sizes and designs are displayed on a light-colored marble surface, showcasing historical firearm styles. — Useful-Place-2920

8. A Cherished Collection of Muskets

Eight vintage rifles with wooden stocks and long barrels are arranged side by side on a wooden floor, pointing diagonally away from the camera. — TheFrenchHistorian

9. 1878 ‘Zig-Zag’ Revolver

A close-up of an ornate, engraved revolver with a decorative handle and gold accents, lying on a bed of smooth black pebbles. — CollectorsFirearms

10. Webley Revolver

A vintage black revolver with a long barrel and textured grip is placed on a wooden surface. The revolver's cylinder and trigger are clearly visible. — Lord-Brandoom

11. ‘Some of My Nicer Paperweights’

Seven vintage handguns with different designs are arranged on a light-colored carpet, including revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. One gun has a brass frame and wooden grip. — HellHathNoFury18

12. Colt Thunderer

A vintage revolver in a worn leather holster is next to a green and yellow Remington Kleanbore .41 Long Colt ammunition box on a car seat. — therealkalacat

13. Beautiful Engraving Work

Close-up of an intricately engraved double-barrel shotgun with a wooden stock, open to show empty chambers, held outdoors on a frosty grassy path with trees in the background. — Czechmyguns

14. That’s a Massive Collection

A collection of vintage rifles and handguns displayed on a bed; rifles with wooden stocks are arranged in rows above various types of revolvers and pistols with wood or metal grips. — Muted_Fact_2202

15. Smith and Wesson #2

A vintage, dark metal revolver with a curved wooden grip is displayed on a plain white surface. — DrunkenVodinski

16. Antique 1911

A black semi-automatic handgun, specifically a Colt M1911 pistol, is placed on a plain light-colored surface. — Dan_Halen85

17. Antique Colt Revolver

A vintage revolver with a wooden grip is displayed in an open case alongside accessories, including a powder flask, tools with wooden handles, a metal knife, and a paper label inside a fitted velvet-lined compartment. — UserDeleted

18. The Real Deal

A black carrying case with foam padding holds five antique-style revolvers with wooden grips and brass and black metal parts, displayed on a wooden floor. The case is open, showing all the firearms neatly arranged. — Star-Bandit

19. This Takes Us Back in Time

A hand holding an antique flintlock pistol with a wooden handle and metal barrel, outdoors on a ground covered with gravel and fallen leaves. — Star-Bandit

Looking for more gun content?

Be sure to read our story on 10 Historic Guns That Sold for Sky-High Prices. You may also be interested in The 15 Biggest Surprises on ‘Antiques Roadshow’ and 10 Forgotten Self-Defense Gadgets From the Past.