Pair of Wheellock Pistols or Carbines

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This pair of wheellocks may be classified as either pistols or carbines. The stocks are inlaid with engraved staghorn and mother-of-pearl, the decoration featuring scrollwork populated with animals including lions, rabbits, bears, and hunting dogs. On the cheek an angel plays a lute above a griffin. The pair's convex lock plates are blued with external wheels and button pancover releases.

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