Powder Flask and Wheellock Spanner Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This flask formed part of the equipment of the guard (Trabantenleibgarde) of the Elector of Saxony. The trapezoidal body is made of wood, mounted with gilded brass, pierced and engraved. It retains its original suspension cord and tassels, and attached whellock spanner. The central cartouche is engraved with the arms of Saxony and the Archmarshalship of the Holy Roman Empire.

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