# Target pointer of the Old Archers Guild St. Andrew and St. Barbara from Ostend

> part of the collection of Museum Halle Gate

**Wikidata**: [Q26267240](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26267240)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/target-pointer-of-the-old-archers-guild-st-andrew-and-st-barbara-from-ostend

## Summary
The Target pointer of the Old Archers Guild St. Andrew and St. Barbara from Ostend is a historical artifact created in 1678, crafted from silver and wood. Used by the crossbow guild of Ostend, known as the "Petit Serment," it functions as a ceremonial pointer or scepter. It is currently held in the collection of the Halle Gate Museum in Brussels, part of the Royal Museums of Art and History.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** 1678
- **Materials:** Silver and wood
- **Fabrication:** Created using engraving processes
- **Location:** Halle Gate Museum (Porte de Hal), Brussels
- **Collection:** Royal Museums of Art and History
- **Associated Organization:** Old Archers Guild St. Andrew and St. Barbara (Ostend)
- **Classification:** Instance of a pointing device; described historically as a scepter and target pointer
- **Image Reference:** Available via Wikimedia Commons (Wiki Loves Art)

## FAQs
### Q: What exactly is this object used for?
A: This object is a target pointer and scepter associated with the Old Archers Guild of St. Andrew and St. Barbara. It was likely used in ceremonial contexts or to indicate targets during archery activities of the guild in Ostend.

### Q: Where can the Target pointer be viewed today?
A: The object is part of the permanent collection at the Halle Gate Museum (Musée de la Porte de Hal) in Brussels, which is a component of the Royal Museums of Art and History.

### Q: What materials were used to create this artifact?
A: The target pointer was constructed using wood and silver, featuring decorations applied through an engraving process.

## Why It Matters
This artifact is significant as a tangible representation of the martial and social guild culture in the Southern Netherlands (modern-day Belgium) during the late 17th century. Guilds like the Archers of St. Andrew and St. Barbara played crucial roles in urban defense, social organization, and ceremonial life in cities like Ostend. The object illustrates the intersection of craftsmanship and military heritage, showcasing the use of precious metals (silver) and detailed engraving in functional items. Its preservation in the Royal Museums of Art and History highlights the ongoing effort to document the regional history of the Spanish Netherlands period.

## Notable For
- **Historical Provenance:** Directly linked to the "Petit Serment" (Lesser Oath) of Crossbowmen in Ostend, dating back to 1678.
- **Material Composition:** Combines utilitarian woodwork with fine silver engraving.
- **Dual Function:** Classified technically as a pointing device but also identified iconographically as a scepter, indicating its ceremonial authority.
- **Museum Association:** Being part of the prestigious Royal Museums of Art and History collection at Halle Gate.

## Body

### Physical Description and Fabrication
The Target pointer of the Old Archers Guild St. Andrew and St. Barbara from Ostend is a composite object made of **wood** and **silver**. The manufacturing process involved **engraving**, suggesting a level of artisanal detail typical of guild regalia from the period. The object is visually documented in the collection as a scepter-like implement.

### Historical Context
The item dates back to **1678**, a period of significant military and political activity in the region. It belongs to the **Old Archers Guild of St. Andrew and St. Barbara** in Ostend, often referred to by its French designation as the *Petit Serment d'Arbalétriers*. Crossbow guilds were significant paramilitary and social entities in medieval and early modern Europe. The reference to "St. Andrew and St. Barbara" indicates the religious patronage of the guild, a common practice for archers and artillerymen (St. Barbara being the patron saint of artillery and gunpowder).

### Institutional Provenance
Currently, the artifact is housed in the **Halle Gate Museum**. This institution is a component of the **Royal Museums of Art and History** in Belgium. The "Halle Gate" is a surviving section of the medieval city walls of Brussels, serving as a fitting location for military and historical artifacts. The item is cataloged as part of this specific museum's collection, distinguishing it from artifacts held in the main Art and History Museum complex in the Cinquantenaire Park.