Cased Pair of Double-Barreled Turn-Off Flintlock Pistols

Jean Lepage

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

One pistol is inscribed "Gravé par Montangy" (engraved by Montagny). It is very rare for engraving on firearms to be signed by the artist. A family of engravers named Montagny worked in Saint-Étienne, a city famous for firearms production. Fleury Montagny, perhaps the author of the exceptionally fine engraving on these pistols, is also recorded as working in the Boutet workshop in Versailles. The delicately carved grips appear to be made of ebony with inset boxwood plaques. The plaques feature heads of Medusa and Bacchus.

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