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LOT 3282
Pair of Relief Chiseled, Engraved, and Carved P. Moretta Snaphance Belt Pistols
-A) Snaphance Pistol - NSN, 48 cal., 11 3/8 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 snaphance locks alongside flintlocks
well into the 18th century. This pair which features the Italian gunmakers’ famous
metal and stock work, including chiseling, engraving, and relief carving displaying a
variety of figures, masks, and scrollwork as well as pierced designs on the sideplates
and trigger guard finials. The smoothbore barrels have “P*MORETTA” signed on the
top flats, brass inlaid busts, brass inlaid bands at the breeches, and scroll and martial
trophy engraving. The inside of the locks are signed “IL Negroni”, and there are other
examples by Negroni with markings from the 1740s to 1790s, and the family is
believed to have been active at least as early as the 17th century. The stocks have dark
horn tips, and the wooden ramrods have iron and horn tips.
CONDITION: Fine with silver-gray patina, minor oxidation, distinct designs throughout,
and mild overall wear. The stock is good with crisp carving and repairs. Mechanically
fine. B) Snaphance Pistol - NSN, 48 cal., 11 3/8 inch round bbl.,
bright finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with silver-gray patina, some light oxidation, distinct engraving
and chiseling, and mild overall wear. The stock is good with crisp carving and repairs.
Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 15,000 - 22,500
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