Pair of Wheellock Pistols

Description The imperial double-headed eagle on the silver cap of the butt may indicate that this pair of pistols belonged to or was a gift from a member of the Habsburg imperial family, perhaps Emperor Ferdinand III (1608-1657). In any case, it is of the high quality that Ferdinand used as a commander in the imperial army.

Provenance Thewalt; Sale, Cologne, 1903, no. 1700; Henry Griffith Keasbey, New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Sale, American Art Association, New York, December 5, 1924, no. 141; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1924, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1924