Pyrotechnisch vuursteengeweer c. 1750

This 18th-century flintlock pistol, known as a "Pyrotechnisch vuursteengeweer", is a unique example of firearms craftsmanship from the Netherlands. Crafted by L. de Meyer around 1750, the pistol's intricate design features a brass barrel with a distinctive segmented construction, a wooden stock, and a decorative flintlock mechanism. The pistol's impressive size and weight suggest it was likely intended for ceremonial purposes rather than practical use, perhaps as a display of the owner's wealth and status. The Rijksmuseum houses this exceptional firearm as part of its collection, offering a glimpse into the technical artistry of the period.