Wheel-Lock from a Hunting Rifle
Unknown Artist
c. 1660–1720
Medium
steel, inlaid with gold design of Habsburg eagle, pierced and chiseled
Dimensions
30.7 × 17.2 cm
Classification
Arms and Armor
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
Accession Number
1916.1546
About this artwork
Originally part of a deluxe weapon, the lock plate's entire surface is inlaid with an exquisite floral pattern in gold. Carefully chiseled, the fanciful hammer takes the form of an animal head crowned by a mass of foliage. The double eagle on the wheel plate suggests the weapon was made for a member of the Habsburg family.