William Walker's weapons

Jim McDougall · 17th June 2015, 03:28 AM

This is a most esoteric topic, and of a figure not necessarily well known in U.S. history, and I must admit I am most curious about your interest. Is this for a scholarly project or perhaps paper for a class? It might be easier to respond if we could know the context for which you are seeking information on the weaponry used by Walker and his forces.

He was known as a 'filibusterer' and essentially tried to establish colonies in Mexico and Central America, most notably in campaigns 1856-57. He was executed in Honduras in 1860 after his unfortunate events in Nicaragua.

He established units of troops from Germany, France and the U.S. so obviously the military patterns of arms in use in these countries were likely at hand. He probably had a number of American arms naturally including the M1851 Colt revolvers; Springfield muskets and M1840 dragoon sabres in use by the American contingents, however since his 'army' was essentially 'private', any number of incongruent patterns or surplus arms might have been used.

Online there are a good number of references which might include some degree of detail on the nature of weaponry used as far as artillery or other ordnance.

17th June 2015, 03:28 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	This is a most esoteric topic, and of a figure not necessarily well known in U.S. history, and I must admit I am most curious about your interest. Is this for a scholarly project or perhaps paper for a class? It might be easier to respond if we could know the context for which you are seeking information on the weaponry used by Walker and his forces. He was known as a 'filibusterer' and essentially tried to establish colonies in Mexico and Central America, most notably in campaigns 1856-57. He was executed in Honduras in 1860 after his unfortunate events in Nicaragua. He established units of troops from Germany, France and the U.S. so obviously the military patterns of arms in use in these countries were likely at hand. He probably had a number of American arms naturally including the M1851 Colt revolvers; Springfield muskets and M1840 dragoon sabres in use by the American contingents, however since his 'army' was essentially 'private', any number of incongruent patterns or surplus arms might have been used. Online there are a good number of references which might include some degree of detail on the nature of weaponry used as far as artillery or other ordnance.