An Italian Aristocrat’s Elegant Pair

This elegant pair were made in Italy – probably Brescia-   in the mid to late 17th century. Made for a person of high standing and made to be worn and seen; these ornately crafted pistols have remained in Italian families and private collections for some 250 years until 2019.

They have smooth 11mm bores and two-stage barrels typical of the Brescian barrel makers in the 1700’s and featuring 16 facets after rings and with moulded muzzles. Their elegant locks feature chiselled floral motifs while the stocks are of walnut with iron mounts, engraved butt caps, trigger guards and snake-shaped triggers. The iron belt hooks are chiselled with floral motifs and oblique raisers. The iron-tipped wooden ramrods are tipped with a chiselled flower. A very unusual pair of classical Italian flintlock pistols that are rarely seen.