Triple-Barrel Revolving Flintlock Fowling Piece from the Gun Cabinet of the Princes of Liechtenstein c. 1650

This is a triple-barrel revolving flintlock fowling piece made by Tilman Keuks, which once belonged to the Princes of Liechtenstein. In the absence of a specific date, the gun's presence in the Princes' cabinet speaks volumes about the social status of hunting in that time and place. Hunting was not merely a sport; it was a symbolic display of power, an aristocratic privilege deeply embedded in the social fabric of many European societies. Owning a weapon like this was a signifier of authority and control, visually communicating the owner's elevated position. Understanding this object requires us to delve into the cultural norms and values of the time, examining not only the craftsmanship but also the social institutions that gave it meaning. Researching the history of the Liechtenstein family, their social circles, and the hunting practices of the era would further illuminate the historical significance of this firearm.