Cleveland Museum of Art

Flintlock Pistol

Bortolo Agazzi

Date

1700s

Medium

steel with traces of gilding; walnut stock

Culture

Italy, Brescia, 18th century

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

The flintlock was the most popular style of lock in all of Europe in the mid 1600s through the 1700s except in Spain and Italy where the snaphance was more dominant. This pistol's shine comes from the gold that was applied to the steel shaft. This shiny surface is set off by the rich walnut stock. Upon close inspection, you can see areas of damage to the walnut and even a missing section of decoration on the rear of the handle. The term flintlock is used to describe any firearm that uses a flint-striking ignition mechanism.

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