Wheel-Lock Hunting Pistol
Unknown Artist
1578
Medium
steel, walnut stock with engraved stag horn; ball butt
Dimensions
l. 54.6 cm · barrel: l. 31.8 cm
Classification
Arms and Armor
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
Accession Number
1916.672
About this artwork
The walnut stock of this pistol is inlaid with engraved stag horn in the form of interlacing foliage and arabesques interspersed with putti, birds, and animals—an elegant weapon befitting a noble patron. Since pistols of this type could deliver only one shot and had to be reloaded to fire the next round, they were commonly made in pairs to be worn in leather holsters. The large ball-shaped pommel on the grip made it easier to withdraw the pistol from its holster, and also served as a counterweig...