Ruiterpistool met twee lopen, op de kolf een grimmend masker en wapenschild c. 1675 - 1700

This double-barreled pistol was made by Willem Nacken, and its combination of walnut, steel, and meticulous engraving speaks volumes about its era. The pistol’s design combines functionality with artistry. The dark, polished walnut of the handle provides a tactile contrast to the cool, gleaming steel of the barrels and firing mechanism. Notice the grimacing mask and heraldic shield at the butt, emblems of power and status, skillfully integrated into the gun’s form. This ornamentation goes beyond mere decoration; it transforms the pistol into a statement of personal identity. But let’s not forget its primary function. This isn’t just a beautiful object, but a tool of defense, a symbol of authority, and a valuable commodity. The skilled labor required to produce such a piece – from the blacksmith forging the barrels to the carver shaping the handle – reflects a complex web of social relations. Considering materials, making, and context allows us to appreciate the cultural and historical significance of this remarkable object.