Pair of Wheellock Pistols
These pistols are remarkable for the chiseled and gilt decoration of the barrels and locks, for the distinctive figural and floral inlay on the stocks, which is copied in part from ornament engravings by Etienne Delaune (1518/19–1583), and for the use of red paint to highlight the stock decoration. The survival of the matching priming flask also in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (acc. no. 14.25.1523) is also exceptional for a pistol from this early date.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pair of Wheellock Pistols
- Designer: Decoration on the stocks copied in part from engravings by Etienne Delaune (French, Orléans 1518/19–1583 Strasbourg)
- Date: ca. 1570–80
- Culture: French
- Medium: Steel, gold, silver, brass, wood (walnut), staghorn, pigment
- Dimensions: L. of each pistol 20 1/8 in. (51.1 cm); Cal. of 14.25.1433a .444 in (11.2 mm); Cal. of 14.25.1433b .463 in. (11.3 mm); L. of each barrel 12 in. (30.5 cm); L. of plug 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm); Diam. at muzzle 3/4 in. (19.1 mm); Diam. at breech 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); L. of lock 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm); Wt. of 14.25.1433a 4 lb. 2 oz. (1871 g); Wt. of 14.25.1433b 4 lb. (1814 g)
- Classification: Firearms-Guns-Wheellock
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.1433a, b
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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French
ca. 1570–80
Etienne Delaune
ca. 1570–80
Etienne Delaune
16th century (?)
Arithmetic, from a set of allegories of the arts and sciences with grotesque motifs on black grounds
Etienne Delaune
before 1573
Etienne Delaune
before 1573
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