Flintlock Pistol

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The barrel is round, with a narrow sighting facet along the top and a silver fore sight at the muzzle; on each side of the breech is a flat facet. The breech is decorated with the figure of a standing Roman warrior amid trophies, shells, and scrolls, all chiseled in relief against a matted gold background. The flintlock of conventional French type is chiseled with trophies, scrolls, and foliation against a partly gilt background. The walnut stock is profusely decorated with carved foliation and rococo scrolls; the tips of the forestock and of the ramrod are of bone. The trigger guard and mounts are of cast silver, chiseled with classical figured motifs in rococo frames against a gilt background. On the rear branch of the trigger guard are scratched four letters; VKBI (probably an owner's initials). This pistol exhibits many of the same qualities as a flintlock gun also in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (acc. no. 10.99), and, though unmarked, is also tentatively attributed to a Carlsbad workshop.

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