Pommel holsters for early firearms are rarely available, especially those for wheellock pistols, and exist within few advanced collections. These holsters measure 18 1/2 and 19 inches and have barrel sections that appear to accommodate pistols with roughly 12 inch barrels. There are no identifying markings, but the exterior has a light checkered pattern. Each holster has one loop on one side and two loops on the opposite side. These holsters would have been mounted to a saddle on either side of the pommel where the pistols could easily be drawn by the rider. Wheellock pistols were the first firearms practical for cavalry as they could be kept loaded and ready and did not require a burning slow-match like the matchlocks of the 16th century. As loading while on horseback was difficult, especially in combat, a cavalryman would typically carry two pistols in his pommel holsters to allow for multiple shots before reloading and also edged weapons like a lance and/or sword. Using the "caracole" maneuver, cavalrymen would execute a turning attack and fire their pistols to inflict casualties upon the enemy, and then ride back to safety to reload and execute another attack. If the enemy faltered, they could then follow up with a cavalry charge. Other techniques included discharging their pistols into the enemy during a charge and then switching to their swords and/or lances. Once reliable flintlock pistols became available, wheellock pistols were largely replaced, but flintlock pistols were also commonly kept in holsters like these. In fact, pommel holsters remained in use through the American Civil War. Provenance: The Tom Lewis Collection