German Bladesmith: Hernandez Sebastian

Rapier Combined with two Wheel-Lock Pistols

c. 1600
Steel, iron, brass, gold, silver, gilding, and wood

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● On view now — Gallery 239

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Combination weapons became a fascination in the late 16th century as nobles and wealthy merchants collected curiosities of the natural and man-made world. Though artful in their arrangement, these weapons seem impractical for self-defense. Owners would have displayed them in armories or cabinets of curiosities.

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