Gunlock (Percussion) 1832

H.A. Gobius created this 'Gunlock (Percussion)' using iron. This small, but striking, piece offers a glimpse into the world of firearms technology. The gunlock’s existence speaks to broader societal trends, reflecting humanity's long fraught relationship with violence, control, and power. Reflect upon the era of colonialism and the industrial revolution, which propelled innovations in weaponry. Who was able to access this technology and how was it used? Was this a tool for hunting, protection, or something more sinister? The gunlock exists as an instrument of both fear and control. Consider the legacy and the ongoing debates surrounding gun control, safety, and the role of weapons in contemporary society. What alternative narratives could disrupt the conventional understanding of such a loaded object? How can such an object invite us to reckon with historical and contemporary conditions?