Cartridge Box Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The box originally held four paper cartridges, each with a premeasured powder charge and a bullet. To load the gun, the paper was torn open and the powder poured down the barrel, followed by the bullet, which was rammed down the barrel with the paper wrapped around it as wadding to ensure a tight fit.

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