Primer
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Wood, horn, silver
Dimensions
L. 6 in. (15.2 cm); D. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm); Wt. 4.1 oz. (116.2 g)
Classification
Firearms Accessories-Flasks & Primers
Culture
Turkish
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number
36.25.2349
Art Historical Context
This exquisite 18th-century Turkish primer, crafted from wood, horn, and, served as a vital accessory for muzzle-loading firearms in the Ottoman. Measuring just 6 inches long and weighing a mere 4.1 ounces, it held the fine priming powder ignited by a spark to set off the main gunpowder charge. Displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Arms and Armor Department (bequest of George C., 1935), it exemplifies the blend of functionality and finesse in Ottoman military craftsmanship. During the 18th century, the Ottoman Turks were renowned for their innovative firearms, drawing from Persian, Eu...