During WWI, German nationals were classified as “enemy aliens” and subject to internment and the seizure of their property. As a result of this, German were required to turn over their firearms to the American government.
The original caption for this photograph reads: Enemy operations in the U.S.:
Enemy aliens turn in their weapons on order of President. President Wilson’s order of April 16, 1917, calling upon all aliens to give up any weapons in their possession resulted in the gathering of a collection of all types and models. Enough ordnance has been collected throughout the country to equip a division of the Army. Photo shows the collection of firearms gathered by the police of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
