Flintlock pistols, Örebro, circa 1717
These are two flintlock pistols issued to the horsemen of Livskvadronen, who fought alongside Karl XII’s Royal Life Guards. Their elite status was reflected in the equipment they carried. This is why their weapons were more elaborate, with engraved lines on the lockplate, brass fittings and finer carved wood.
The cost of two flintlock pistols was 18 daler silvermynt, which was much more than for ordinary pistols, which cost 7¼ daler. The pistols you see here were later shortened by about 7 cm – thrift was a virtue, and people had to economise on resources.
