Repeating Swivel Gun c. 1813 - 1815

The Repeating Swivel Gun was made by James Chambers with steel and wood. The gun's metallic elements contrast with the natural wood, while the multiple barrels hint at industrialized manufacturing. Each piece had to be carefully shaped, fitted, and assembled. The construction would have required not only technical expertise, but also a deep understanding of how these materials behaved under pressure. This is a tool of war, so it represents skilled labor and meticulous attention to detail, all directed toward a lethal purpose. The work involved reflects an investment in destruction and the labor power that it took. It challenges our understanding of craft. By emphasizing the human labor involved in its production, we can better understand its place in social and political issues.