Pair of Wheellock Pistols Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony

ca. 1590

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 375

Many similar pistols were made by Dresden gunmakers for the elector's mounted bodyguard. The large spherical pommel facilitated easy withdrawal from a saddle holster. The Saxon ducal arms is on the silver buttplate.

Artwork Details

Object Information

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Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Pair of Wheellock Pistols Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony
Gunsmith: Zacharias Herold (German, Dresden, recorded 1586–1618)
Date: ca. 1590
Geography: Dresden
Culture: German, Dresden
Medium: Steel, wood, silver, gold, brass
Dimensions: 14.25.1399a; L. 24 3/16 in. (61.4 cm); L. of barrel 15 1/16 in. (38.3 cm); Cal. .502 in. (12.8 mm); Wt. 4 lb. 3 oz. (1899 g)
14.25.1399b; L. 24 3/4 in. (62.9 cm); L. of barrel 15 3/8 in. (39.1 cm); Cal. .507 in. (12.88 mm); Wt. 4 lb. 1 oz. (1850 g)
Classification: Firearms-Pistols-Wheellock
Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
Object Number: 14.25.1399a, b
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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