Snaphaunce Pistol Made for Wilhelm, Duke of Kurland

Snaphaunce Pistol Made for Wilhelm, Duke of Kurland

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The earliest recorded Scottish pistols, like this example, have stocks made of wood rather than steel. This pistol, one of a pair, was given by the duke of Kurland to Johann Georg I, elector of Saxony, in 1616. Its mate remains in the Historisches Museum, Dresden. It is believed that the pistols were originally a royal gift to Duke Wilhelm from James I, king of England and Scotland, in 1615.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Snaphaunce Pistol Made for Wilhelm, Duke of KurlandSnaphaunce Pistol Made for Wilhelm, Duke of KurlandSnaphaunce Pistol Made for Wilhelm, Duke of KurlandSnaphaunce Pistol Made for Wilhelm, Duke of KurlandSnaphaunce Pistol Made for Wilhelm, Duke of Kurland

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.