Pair of Wheellock Rifles Made for Emperor Leopold I (1640–1705)

Caspar Neireiter

ca. 1670–80 · Steel, silver, wood (walnut) · Arms and Armor

Because most rifles fired only one charge and then had to be reloaded, wealthy hunters often ordered matched sets of two or more guns that would allow them a quick second shot. Leopold I (1640–1705) was Holy Roman Emperor, King of Hungary and King of Bohemia. He was a descendant of both the Austrian and Spanish branches of the powerful Habsburg dynasty.

Artist

Caspar Neireiter

Date

ca. 1670–80

Medium

Steel, silver, wood (walnut)

Culture

Bohemian, Prague

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1950