Vuursteenpistool 1715 - 1720

This flintlock pistol was made by Westerhof, though we don't know when. This object signifies more than personal protection. It speaks to a broader European history of trade, empire, and exploitation. In the Netherlands, during the likely time this was made, gun ownership was more prevalent among the elite, signifying wealth and status, but this also mirrors the nation’s larger engagement in global trade and colonial expansion. A beautifully crafted pistol like this one would have been a powerful symbol of status. The owner could demonstrate their wealth and power. As an historian, I find myself asking: Where did the materials come from? What was the social status of the gunsmith Westerhof? How might the aesthetics of the weapon reflect the culture of the time? These are questions that can only be answered through careful examination of historical records. Only then can we understand its complex story.