Snaphance Pistol
Unknown Artist
1600s
Medium
steel, ebony with silver inlay
Dimensions
l. 29.5 cm · barrel: l. 20 cm
Classification
Arms and Armor
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
Accession Number
1918.68
About this artwork
A snaphance pistol is a type of barrel-loading, flintlock gun. The snaphance is a spring-lock mechanism used for discharging a flint. This innovation greatly improved the efficiency of getting a shot off.