Wheel-Lock Hunting Pistol

1578
Overall: 54.6 cm (21 1/2 in.); Barrel: 31.8 cm (12 1/2 in.); Bore: 1.4 cm (9/16 in.)
Weight: 2.2 kg (4.85 lbs.)
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Location: 210B Firearms

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Did You Know?

In this time period nobles bred dogs to help them hunt boars; on the barrel of this gun, a boar is shown charging a dog.

Description

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 counterweight to a heavy steel barrel. Additionally, the pommel became a useful weapon when the firing mechanism failed or when close quarters required its use.
Wheel-Lock Hunting Pistol

Wheel-Lock Hunting Pistol

1578

South Germany, 16th century

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