Pair of Wheellock Rifles Made for Emperor Leopold I (1640–1705)

ca. 1670–80

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 375

Because most rifles fired only one charge and then had to be reloaded, wealthy hunters often ordered matched sets of two or more guns that would allow them a quick second shot.
Leopold I (1640–1705) was Holy Roman Emperor, King of Hungary and King of Bohemia. He was a descendant of both the Austrian and Spanish branches of the powerful Habsburg dynasty.

Artwork Details

Title: Pair of Wheellock Rifles Made for Emperor Leopold I (1640–1705)
Gunsmith: Caspar Neireiter (Bohemian, Prague, recorded 1667–ca. 1730)
Date: ca. 1670–80
Geography: Prague
Culture: Bohemian, Prague
Medium: Steel, silver, wood (walnut)
Dimensions: L. of each 43 3/8 in. (110.2 cm); L. of each barrel 32 1/16 in. (81.4 cm); Cal. of each .544 in. (13.8 mm); Wt. of 50.203.1 9 lb. 4 oz. (4196 g); Wt. of 50.203.2 9 lb. 3 oz. (4167 g)
Classification: Firearms-Guns-Wheellock
Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1950
Object Number: 50.203.1, .2
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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