The collection of historical weapons and hunting culture features a wide range of objects – from miniature pistols to enormous cannons. Variously used in war, hunting and ceremonial display, the weapons on show shed light on the world of knights, armed burghers, mercenaries and the culture of the ducal courts.

The collection includes a variety of firearms, melee weapons (both edged, such as swords and blunt, such as maces) and armour.

The collection boasts significant holdings of tournament harnesses, weapons prototypes and early firearms. Highlights include a very rare medieval ‘pot helm’ and the oldest datable firearm, a hand cannon or ‘gonne’ from the 14th century.