Pair of pistols owned by Maurice of Nassau-Beverweerd 1670 - 1678

These pistols were made by Willem van Essen, a Dutch gunsmith known to be active around the mid-17th century. They are constructed from steel and wood and feature intricate etched detailing. The steel barrels were likely forged and then carefully bored to achieve the correct diameter. The wooden stocks, probably walnut or a similar hardwood, would have been shaped and carved with precision. Notice the elaborate ornamentation, which elevates these pistols from mere functional objects to works of art. The refined lines and detailed engraving speak to the gunsmith's skill and the wealth of the owner. Firearms like these reflect the era’s intersection of art, technology, and power. While their primary function was as weapons, their decoration highlights the social status of their owner. The creation of such pieces required a range of skills, from blacksmithing to woodworking to engraving, representing a collaboration of labor within a complex economic system. These pistols are a reminder that even the most functional objects can be imbued with cultural and social significance through careful craftsmanship and design.