Miquelet Sporting Gun for the Prince Regent of Portugal, João VI (1767–1826)

Jacintho Xavier

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This miquelet sporting gun was made for the Prince Regent of Portugal, John/João VI (1767–1826), who reigned from 1816 to 1826 as King of Portugal and Algarve and from 1816 to 1822 as King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and Algarve. Made in 1802 by Jacintho Xavier, master of the Royal Military Arsenal in Lisbon from 1794 to 1808 and therefore Portugal’s leading gunmaker, it was intended as one of the Regent’s personal hunting arms. The superb gold-inlaid decoration of the metal parts, contrasted by the blued steel ground, attest to the care and luxury of manufacture, while the presence of the Portuguese arms on the stock and trigger guard confirm the royal ownership.

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