Pair of Wheellock Pistols 1615 - 1665

These are a Pair of Wheellock Pistols made by François Du Clos around the mid-17th century. The dark, polished steel and wood create a striking contrast between the robust, linear barrels and the elegantly curved stocks. Intricate inlays adorn the handles, hinting at the weapon's ceremonial purpose. The wheellock mechanism itself is a marvel of engineering. Its complex arrangement of cogs and levers reflects a period where technology was as much an art form as it was a practical tool. Note how Du Clos has not just created a functional object, but a piece imbued with status and sophistication. The balance of form and function challenges simple categorizations. Is this piece purely utilitarian, or does it transcend into the realm of decorative art? The pistols embody the tensions of their time – between violence and beauty, power and artistry. The very nature of these objects invites us to consider the cultural codes embedded within them, reflecting how status was performed through expertly crafted, yet deadly objects.