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Rare and exotic materials in the armoury

Precious materials such as ivory, rock crystal, and coral were often used to decorate weapons. These pieces were intended less for practical use and more for display.

6 art objects
Dolch samt Scheide und kleinem Messer

Owner: Ferdinand II. (1564-1595), Erzherzog von Österreich und Landesherr von Tirol um 1500 (Scheide: um 1540/60)

Korallensäbel, Kordelatsch, Coltelaggio, Malchus, Malchus (mit Scheide)

Owner: Ferdinand II. (1564-1595), Erzherzog von Österreich und Landesherr von Tirol um 1560

Flügeltartsche mit dem Bild der

Ferdinand II. (1564-1595), Erzherzog von Österreich und Landesherr von Tirol 1582

Radschlossbüchse mit Elfenbeinschaft

Leopold I. (1658-1705), Kaiser um 1665

Radschlossbüchse

Rudolf II. (1576-1612), Kaiser, römischer König seit 1575, König von Ungarn seit 1572, von Böhmen se um 1602-1610

Bemalter Schildkrötenpanzer

um 1510

Discover more albums

Discover curated groups of objects on fascinating topics

7 art objects
Best of: The courtly hunt
Hunting was not only a popular pastime among Europe's social elites, but also a key element of princely display.
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Early modern high-tech: Firearms
The Imperial Armoury holds one of the world's most significant collections of historic firearms.
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Fun and games: The tournament
Despite their martial character, tournaments were a popular pastime among Europe's social elites. Participants could not only demonstrate their athletic prowess, but also showcase their wealth through their elaborate equipment.
Mechanical breastplate for the joust of war
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Speaking objects
Some objects speak for themselves! This group features a selection of inscriptions found on the objects of the Imperial Armoury, ranging from short poems to the proud signature of a 91-year-old gunsmith...
Dagger with sheath
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East Meets West: Islamic arms and armour
The Imperial Armoury houses one of the most significant collections of Islamic arms and armour worldwide. Many of the pieces entered Habsburg property as diplomatic gifts or as spoils of war.
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Made in Vienna: Luxury products for the imperial court
Due to the patronage of the imperial court, Vienna emerged as an important artistic centre in the early modern period.
8 art objects
Boy’s armours
… are the epitome of luxury! If you can afford a costly suit of armour for a child that will quickly outgrow it, then money is not an issue for you.