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

Simon Helbig

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

These slender, elegant pistols are sparingly inlaid with engraved staghorn and feature push-button pan covers. The finely carved pear-shaped, hexagonal pommels, engraved gilt brass accents, and crisply embellished three-stage barrels mark their quality. In superb condition, they were made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony and bear the arms of Saxony on the stocks.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art