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Snaphance Lock

Date
third quarter 17th century
Material
Iron
Classification
Arms & armor, metalwork
Current Location
On View, Gallery 138
Dimensions
5 1/8 x 6 1/2 x 1 3/4 in. (13 x 16.5 x 4.4 cm)
weight: 10 oz. (0.3 kg)
Credit Line
Museum Purchase
Rights
Public Domain
Object Number
266:1923
NOTES
The invention of spark-producing wheel-lock ignitions early in the 16th century made it possible for the warrior on horseback to use firearms. Thus began the slow decline in the use of armor by cavalry as pistols became capable of piercing all but the best "bullet proof" armor.
- 1923
Sumner Healey Antiquaire, New York, NY [1]

1923 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Sumner Healey Antiquaire [2]


Notes:
[1] The main source for this provenance is the Sumner Healey Antiquaire invoice, dated April 12th, 1923 [SLAM document files].

[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, April 6, 1923.

We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.