Small Wrought Iron Miniature Wheel Pistol Workshops Nuremberg Germany 16th

Rare model of a spinning wheel pistol, in wrought iron, work from the Nuremberg workshops (Bavaria, Germany), ceremonial object or cabinet of curiosities, vintage late 16th-early 17th centuries. This pistol is in good general condition and is of exceptional quality. Please note: traces of oxidation on the iron, wear and tear over time, see photos. ___________________________________________________ * Eight similar miniature pistols are kept at the Musée des Armées in Les Invalides (Paris - France) "Real little jewels testifying to the prodigious technical progress made in the field of arquebuserie throughout the 16th century, these reduced models of spinning wheel pistols were primarily intended to enrich the princely cabinets of curiosities. These miniature weapons come from Bavaria and in particular from the workshops of Nuremberg Made by mechanical craftsmen, arquebusiers, watchmakers, and even in certain cases by goldsmiths, the miniature pistols. often constituted “masterpieces” of mastery. Several documents attest to the specialization of certain craftsmen in this singular production, like Michael Mann at the beginning of the 17th century in Augsburg, or Johann Carl in Nuremberg. Specimens have preserved a metal chain, which allowed the pistol to be worn as a necklace on civilian clothing like simple charms. Many similar pieces are exhibited in major museum establishments (Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, Metropolitan Museum in New York, Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, etc.), a sign of the enthusiasm of the nobility and the bourgeoisie for these ceremonial objects. " (See the Musée des Armées website) Length: 8 cm Reference: F30 1008 All photos are on: www.antiques-delaval.com