Wheellock Rifle 1585 - 1655

This Wheellock Rifle was crafted by Daniel Sadeler in the early 17th century, during a period of significant social and technological change. The rifle is a symbol of power, its elaborate decoration reflecting the status and wealth of its owner. These rifles were not merely functional weapons, they were potent symbols of masculine authority. The artistry involved elevates the rifle beyond a tool of war, transforming it into an object of display and social distinction. Wheellock rifles were luxury items, often commissioned by European aristocracy. Sadeler’s work is part of a broader historical context where artistry and craftsmanship intersected with military technology. It invites us to reflect on the complexities of identity, status, and representation in the early modern period.