Weapons Weapons were vital for defense and hunting. The team uncovered many whole or partial weapons, including muskets, swords, firepots, cannons, and pole arms. (The pole arm was an edged weapon like a knife on a long pole.) In the drawing, notice the stocks and barrels of muskets in the box on the starboard side of the main hold. Even after centuries underwater, this musket still retains its basic shape. The blade of a pole arm, which lab technicians reproduced from partial remains found on the wreck. Photos: (1) courtesy of the Texas Historical Commission; (2) Conservation Research Lab for the Texas Historical Commission.