Snaphaunce Pistol Made for Wilhelm, Duke of Kurland

Unknown

dated 1615 · Steel, gold, silver, wood (brazilwood) · Arms and Armor

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated 1615

Medium

Steel, gold, silver, wood (brazilwood)

Culture

Scottish

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Alexander McMillan Welch, in memory of Alexander McMillan Welch, 1946