Cartridge Box Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony

ca. 1590–1600

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 375

The box originally held four paper cartridges, each with a premeasured powder charge and a bullet. To load the gun, the paper was torn open and the powder poured down the barrel, followed by the bullet, which was rammed down the barrel with the paper wrapped around it as wadding to ensure a tight fit.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Cartridge Box Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony
Date: ca. 1590–1600
Geography: Saxony
Culture: German, Saxony
Medium: Silver, wood, velvet
Dimensions: H. 5 in. (12.7 cm); W. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
Classification: Firearms Accessories
Credit Line: Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Funds from various donors, 1929
Object Number: 29.158.701
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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Powder Flask and Wheellock Spanner Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony, Brass, gold, steel, wood, velvet, gold-threaded cord, German, Saxony — Powder Flask and Wheellock Spanner Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony
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