Pair of Wheellock Pistols Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony 1585 - 1635

These wheellock pistols, made for the bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony, are intricate examples of 16th-17th century gunsmithing. The pistols feature a distinctive wheellock mechanism, which used a spring-powered wheel to ignite the gunpowder, and ornate decorations of silver, gold, and ivory. They were made by Simon Helbig, a prominent German gunsmith, and exemplify the high craftsmanship and technical sophistication of firearms during this period. The pistols are currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.