Double-Barreled Flintlock Shotgun

Double-Barreled Flintlock Shotgun

François Pirmet

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pirmet was gunmaker to Jérôme Bonaparte (1784–1860), Napoleon's brother, who ruled as king of Westphalia from 1807 to 1813.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Double-Barreled Flintlock ShotgunDouble-Barreled Flintlock ShotgunDouble-Barreled Flintlock ShotgunDouble-Barreled Flintlock ShotgunDouble-Barreled Flintlock Shotgun

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.