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LOT 1252
Ornate Engraved and Carved Italian
Snaphaunce Pistol with Belt Hook - NSN, 52
cal., 10 inch part octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut
stock. Snaphaunce or snaphance pistols like these remained in production in Italy well-into the 18th century after
flintlocks rose to be the dominant lock type elsewhere in Europe. The pistol is not signed but has very ornate engraving and sculpting incorporating flowing
floral designs, bestial, and mask elements as well as incised carving featuring scrollwork, figures, crosshatch, and striped patterns, and the back of the wrist is carved
with a circular panel featuring a brick tower and a star. The butt has two high relief silver plaques of masks. The lock and barrel engraving are similar to a pair that Rock Island
Auction Company sold in August 2023 that were featured in “One Hundred Great Guns” by Lindsay on page 61.
CONDITION: Very good with gray and brown patina on the iron, some mild pitting, enlarged vent, aged patina on the mounts, and some minor chips on the stock. Mechanically needs work.
Provenance: Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 1251
Pair of Relief Chiseled,
Engraved, Etched, and Carved
Italian Snaphaunce Pistols, One Barrel Marked “E. 1681” -A) Snaphaunce Pistol
- NSN, 50 cal., 10 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The snaphance/snaphaunce was primarily
used from the mid-16th century to early 17th
century and was largely replaced by the flintlock
as the 17th century advanced. However, Italian
gunmakers continued to use snaphaunce locks
alongside flintlocks into the 18th century. This pair is
incredibly ornate and features chiseling, engraving,
etching, and relief carving featuring a variety of figures, masks, and scrollwork as well as pierced designs on the sideplates and trigger guard
finials. The breech end of the barrel of the first pistol features a relief chiseled portrait of a boy, and the second pistol features a coordinating portrait
of a girl. The second pistol also features “E 1681” among the etching on top of the barrel. The inside of the locks are signed “G*G*”, and there are no
other visible markings. The pistols also feature belt hooks on the left and wooden ramrods with iron capped horn tips.
CONDITION: Fine with gray and brown patina, minor oxidation, mostly distinct designs throughout, a some repairs at the pommel and forend, and
generally minor overall wear. Mechanically fine. B) Snaphaunce Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 10 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with gray and brown patina, patches of oxidation and pitting, distinct designs, generally minor overall wear, crack in the pommel at
the toe, small chips and some faint repairs on the stock. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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