Pistool met later aangebracht percussieslot van C.L. Pelerin before 1793

Editor: This object is listed as a pistol with a percussion lock added later, crafted before 1793 by C.L. Pelerin. It’s made of wood and metal with carving, bronze, and sculpture elements. Initially, the pistol feels unsettling – a beautiful object designed for violence. How do you interpret this kind of tension between beauty and function in the late 18th century? Curator: It’s fascinating to consider the pistol’s context. Firearms, especially those crafted with such detail, transcended mere utility; they were potent symbols of power and status in a society grappling with shifting social orders. Aristocrats displayed them almost as fashion accessories, what does that say about their place in the power dynamic? Editor: That’s a really interesting idea; owning something like that made a statement of authority in those times. What’s the story with the added percussion lock, though? Curator: The added percussion lock is key. This suggests a move towards modernisation, and the abandonment of obsolete technology and old power structures; but consider, who typically benefited from technological advancements? New forms of power emerging during the period. Perhaps its more of an endorsement of current cultural thought that transcends class. Does it point to accessibility for the masses? Editor: That’s a good point; it’s a tool used by anyone now in comparison to what came before it. The transformation of the object mirrors social transitions. Something deadly is becoming accessible, even as the craftsmanship retains the echo of exclusivity. Thanks for shedding a bit of light into this piece. Curator: It certainly leaves you with more to think about doesn't it.