Combination complication 

Detail of wheellock combination axe and pistol, early 17th century, XIV.6. Royal Armouries, CC BY 4.0

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Combination axe and pistol (XIV.6)

This combination axe and pistol combines numerous features and mechanisms in a marvellously overcomplicated manner. Combination weapons became popular in the 16th and early 17th century, and most of them were produced as curiosities for wealthy patrons, as well as a way for talented smiths to demonstrate their art. Even though there is no evidence as to who this weapon belonged to, it is safe to assume it belonged to a member of the nobility and martial elite, someone who wanted this object as curiosity piece or a work of art.

View the Combination Axe and Pistol in our collection