Wheel-Lock Holster Pistol

Culture German , perhaps from Suhl

Dateabout 1625–1650

Mediumsteel, iron and walnut wood

Dimensions70.5 × 49.5 cm, 14 mm (27 3/4 × 19 1/2 in.), 2 lb, 6 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsAt breech, barrel stamped with hatchet-like mark, (cf. no. 6126 "Der neue Støckel," II: 1447), and to the rear of this is a reverse "S"- shaped mark; see digital file. The latter is also found on the inside of the lockplate below the wheel. Characters "11" (for "2") on underside of the stock below cock. At about two-thirds of the length from the muzzle, the underside of the barrel has six cut notches. The same marking appears within the barrel recess of the stock. At the underside of the breech is a short row of three punched dots.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.376

DescriptionPlain, polished barrel of circular section, without sights. Full-length dark walnut stock (finish refreshed) with iron furniture, and with a deeply rounded swelling that follows the outline of the lock. Stock curves gently and gracefully to the butt, which expands into an oval-section, swollen butt encircled with an iron band or disk. L-shaped iron trigger guard. Iron-tipped wooden ramrod. Exposed wheel-lock ignition with pointed, gently rounded polished lockplate held by three screws. Pan cover without external release. The pistol is without decoration. Bore is 17/32".
Label TextBy the 1600s, firearms had become the dominant factor on the battlefield. This pistol was originally one of a pair, probably carried by a heavily armored cuirassier. Most armor would have been fairly impervious to a weapon like this, but full-size muskets could penetrate all but the thickest armor.ProvenanceUnnamed German private collector. Purchased by Walter J. Karcheski Jr. on 29 September 2000, on behalf of the Museum, from Jürgen H. Fricker (Dinkelsbühl, Germany), with HAM# 2000.04.2. Price paid: 14,000 DM Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

On View

Not on view