Pair of Flintlock Pistols 1700 - 1730

This pair of flintlock pistols, crafted by J.J. Behr between 1700 and 1730, showcases the meticulous artistry of 18th-century gunmaking. The pistols, with their intricate engravings and polished metal surfaces, are not just weapons but objects of beauty, reflecting the fashionable tastes of the time. Their ornate design, including gold inlays and delicate flourishes, elevate them beyond mere utility, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the era. Now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, these pistols are a testament to the blend of function and aesthetics that defined the art of weaponry in the early 18th century.