Wheellock Rifle 1650 - 1670

This wheellock rifle was made by Lienhart Has in Germany in the 17th century. Wheellock rifles like these are some of the earliest examples of firearms and as you can see this one has been elevated from a mere weapon to a work of art. The decoration of firearms has a long and fascinating history, particularly in Europe where gunsmiths were often commissioned by wealthy patrons to create elaborate and ornate pieces. In this period, gun ownership was a status symbol and firearms like this were seen as both a symbol of power and status. The study of decorative arms and armor can tell us a great deal about early modern culture and the history of technology. Museum collections such as the Met's arms and armor galleries and the Wallace Collection in London are invaluable resources for this kind of research.