Wheellock Pistol

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The cherry stock of this wheellock pistol is inlaid with engraved staghorn and features an elongated hexagonal pommel perforated on each side with an oval aperture. Behind the barrel tang a small staghorn plaque is engraved with the letters CN. The barrel tang is marked with the number 6. The rifled barrel is marked at the breech with the letters LR, and forward of this it is struck with what appears to be the arms of Schenken von Limpurg, who held the hereditary office of Imperial Cupbearer.

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