Art Institute of Chicago

Pair of Flintlock Holster Pistols

Austrian, Vienna

Date

c. 1700/25

Medium

steel, brass, gilding, walnut, and horn

Culture

Vienna

Department

Applied Arts of Europe

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Though the form of these pistols differs little than that of firearms used for self-defense, the decoration over the lock-plate spring suggests that they were intended for deer hunting. From the late 16th century on, members of the nobility often hunted deer with pistols while giving chase on horseback with a pack of hounds. To successfully aim and fire the pistol while riding within a few yards of the game required much training and skill.

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