art-of-swords:Combination of Dagger and Wheellock PistolDated: circa 1575–1600Culture: GermanPlace o
art-of-swords:Combination of Dagger and Wheellock PistolDated: circa 1575–1600Culture: GermanPlace of Origin: possibly SaxonyMedium: steel, woodMeasurements: L. 18 15/16 in. (48.1 cm L. of blade 13 13/16 in. (35.1 cm L. of blade (without tip) 11 11/16 in. (29.7 cm L. of quillons 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm Cal. .29 in. (7.4 mm Wt. 1 lb. 11 oz. (765.4 g)Combination weapons usually were made as technical novelties and showpieces and therefore, often are highly decorated. The finely etched strapwork pattern on this example also is found on the best German firearms, edged weapons, and armor of the late sixteenth century. Before firing this dagger-pistol, the tip of the blade had to be removed, revealing the muzzle of the gun barrel.Source: Copyright © 2014 The Metropolitan Museum of Art -- source link