Flintlock Belt Pistol c. 1735

The Flintlock Belt Pistol was made by Thomas Caddell, though the exact date remains unknown. It acts as a stark reminder of a past shaped by conquest. Crafted from steel, it embodies a contradiction: an instrument of death adorned with delicate engravings. These embellishments, far from softening its purpose, speak volumes about the era's values. The pistol, beyond its function, reflected the owner's status. During its time, firearms played a crucial role in enforcing colonial power and disrupting existing social structures. This pistol signifies both personal defense and the broader violence of colonial expansion. It also reflects the relationship between technological advancement, artistry, and the social hierarchies it upheld. Ultimately, the pistol invites us to confront the complex interplay between power, identity, and the objects that mediate human relations.