Flintlock Pistol Made for Charles XI of Sweden (1655–1697)

Flintlock Pistol Made for Charles XI of Sweden (1655–1697)

Bertrand Piraube

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This is the earliest dated firearm by Piraube, the leading gunmaker in France during the reign of Louis XIV (1643–1715). Piraube worked in the Louvre, where lodging was granted by the French monarchs to the finest craftsmen in their employ. Firearms by Piraube were sought by princes throughout Europe, including Charles XI of Sweden (1655–1697), whose court emulated that of the French king. The Swedish royal arms are found on the barrel and on an escutcheon on the stock.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Flintlock Pistol Made for Charles XI of Sweden (1655–1697)Flintlock Pistol Made for Charles XI of Sweden (1655–1697)Flintlock Pistol Made for Charles XI of Sweden (1655–1697)Flintlock Pistol Made for Charles XI of Sweden (1655–1697)Flintlock Pistol Made for Charles XI of Sweden (1655–1697)

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.