Pair of Flintlock Pistols

Leonardus Graeff

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Although Dutch in overall style, these pistols are unusual because they were made in Aachen rather than Maastricht and because the helmets on the pistol butts are separately made in gilt silver rather than carved in ivory.

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