One of Pair of Wheel-Lock Holster Pistols
Artist
Master H.W.
(German, active 1630–1680)
Dateabout 1650
Creation PlaceEurope
MediumSteel; snakewood; bone or horn; gilt brass; iron
Dimensions73.3 × 48.3 cm (28 7/8 × 19 in.), 2 lb, 8 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsInner face of both lockplates with stamped mark of "HW" over a set of three crossed arrows, the whole within a shield-shaped recess. ("Der neue Stockel," no. b 3171)
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.433.2
DescriptionIdentical pair with exception of butt caps. Full-length long, elegant wood (walnut?) stocks, with snakewood (Piratinera Guianesis) (?) veneer, or another exotic wood such as jacaranda. The joins are covered with bone strips engraved and blackened with running leafy tendrils or groups of pairs of pellets separated by striations. The forecaps, base of ramrod recess, ramrod tip, and bands along the top edge of forends have engraved bone mounts in an overlapping pointed leaf motif. The trigger area has a thin strip with a checkered motif. Original ramrods have balustered iron worm at end, & fit into full-length recess having openwork, gilt brass fore-pipes. Polished steel barrels of 12mm bore, circular section over their lengths, & without sights. Thin, low full-length medial rib & shorter rib to either side, extending about 1/3rd length. At this point, the sides of the barrel are flat. Thin, longish tang.
Barrels held by bone pins in "ears" , and by the rearmost of the lock screws that passes through the stepped extendion of the breech plug.
The butts are of cast, chased and gilded brass, the sides with hounds, lions, and strapwork. Pierced gilt brass upper ramrod thimbles; shaped iron trigger guards; original ramrods with robust balustered iron worms on lower ends. Overall length 26 5/8" and 26 3/4".
Plain, polished lockplate with beveled edges, curved to the wheel, and a downcurving tail that finishes in a baluster. It is secured by a pair of screws in bone-lined holes. One, as noted passes through the breech plug extension and the other through a hole in the lockplate. Wheel exposed, axle terminal (lost on "b") & wheel-clamps balustered. Pan covers without pushbuttons.
Curved trigger with a once-gilded, Z-shaped guard having 3-stage, lobated forward terminal, & secured by screws at ends.
Stock wrist curves down gently and is of oval section, finished with a gilt, cast brass butt-cap held by brass nails in the sides. The caps are oval, with sides filled by lions & hounds passant, framed by voluted devices. The raised face of the caps have classically armed figures of Mars (on "a") and Minerva (on "b") that are cast and chased. Faces of caps are separate pieces, perhaps brazed to the rim; they have classically armed figures of Mars (on "a") & Minerva (on "b").
19" two stage smoothbore 51 caliber iron barrels, each breech shaped to 6 1/2" with side flats with beaded edges then round from 6 1/2" to muzzle and cut full length along the top and on the breech tang with narrow sighting rib; each barrel held to the stock by rear lock screw and two bone pins. No markings found on the barrels.
Flat plate locks each with wide beveled edge, rounded at the tail with balustered finial; external wheel held to the plate by the pan and one clamp with balustered finials; originally equipped with an internal safety mechanism (removed during period of use); the plates marked inside with "H W" over three crossed arrows within a shield (Stockel #3171, p. 1418), a Nuremberg lock maker.
Label TextBy the 1600s, armored heavy cavalry were abandoning the lance. Instead, they kept a pair of pistols at the front of their saddle. They would ride close to their target to discharge their pistols, then circle around again to charge with swords drawn. This exceptionally decorative pair must have belonged to a wealthy horseman.ProvenanceAn anonymous Italian dealer auction in Italy Peter Finer (Wiltshire, UK) to March 1994 David E. Cooley (Kalispell, MT) Purchased by the Museum from Mr. Cooley on 30 April 1997. Purchased from Mr. David E. Cooley (Kalispell, MT) on 5/1/97 for $45,000. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
late 1700s-early 1800s
