Our AG is asking what authority a museum or historical has to own and
display certain weapons whose possession is outlawed by New York Penal
Law sec. 265.01, including switchblade knives, machine guns, etc.  There
is no applicable exception provided in Penal Law sec. 265.20.  Note,
"antique firearms" are exempted by sec. 265.00.

The question came to the AG from a Village Board concerning a
historical society which owns and has a display of older knives produced
by the local cutlery industry, including at least one switchblade.

Does anyone know of any circumstance that might allow a museum to
possess and/or display such weapons?   Can anyone suggest how the
historical society might handle this material, short of turning it over
to the local sheriff or State Police, such as disarming the knife?




David W. Palmquist
Head, Chartering Program
NY State Museum
NY State Education Department
3097 Cultural Education Center
Albany NY 12230
518-473-3131
FAX 518-473-8496
e-mail:  [log in to unmask]
web site:  www.nysm.nysed.gov/charter/

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