Snaphaunce Pistol Made for Wilhelm, Duke of Kurland
The earliest recorded Scottish pistols, like this example, have stocks made of wood rather than steel. This pistol, one of a pair, was given by the duke of Kurland to Johann Georg I, elector of Saxony, in 1616. Its mate remains in the Historisches Museum, Dresden. It is believed that the pistols were originally a royal gift to Duke Wilhelm from James I, king of England and Scotland, in 1615.
Artwork Details
- Title: Snaphaunce Pistol Made for Wilhelm, Duke of Kurland
- Date: dated 1615
- Culture: Scottish
- Medium: Steel, gold, silver, wood (brazilwood)
- Dimensions: L. 19 3/4 in. (50.2 cm); L. of barrel 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm); Cal. .38 in. ( 9.7 mm); Wt. 2 lb. 5 oz. (1050 g)
- Classification: Firearms
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Alexander McMillan Welch, in memory of Alexander McMillan Welch, 1946
- Object Number: 46.105
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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