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LOT 3238
Desirable Highly Ornate Engraved and Chiseled Pair of Italian Snaphaunce Belt Pistols Featured in “One Hundred
Great Guns” by Lindsay
-A) Snaphaunce Pistol - NSN, 60 cal., 13 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. These incredible pistols are featured on page 61 of Merrill Lindsay’s classic “One Hundred Great Guns.” Snaphaunces emerged around the 1540s and were supplanted in most places by the 18th century but kept being produced in Italy into the mid-18th century alongside flintlocks and miquelet lock. The gunmakers of Brescia in Northern Italy are particularly known for their highly ornate snaphaunce pistols. This pair was almost certainly made there but has no identifying markings. It likely dates to the last quarter of the 17th century. While they are not signed, they do exemplify extraordinary artistry and have pierced, chiseled, and engraved iron throughout. Even the trigger guards and ramrod pipes have pierced designs. Inside the pommel caps is red fabric adding color through the pierced floral patterns. The designs are primarily floral in nature, but there are also a variety of bird accents among the designs and masks on the accent plates around the barrel tangs. The smoothbore barrels have flared muzzles, banded transition points, and extensive floral engraving on the octagonal breech sections. Belt hooks
are fitted to the rear lock screws. The stocks have fluted molding along the ramrod channels on the forends and incised chevron designs at the entry point.
CONDITION: Fine with mostly a pewter gray patina on the metal along with crisp designs and minimal light oxidation/pitting. The refinished stock is good with some subtle repaired cracks mainly in the forend, some small flakes absent, distinct molding and fluting along the forend, and a glossy finish. Mechanically fine.
B) Snaphaunce Pistol - NSN, 60 cal., 13 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with a smooth pewter gray patina on most of the metal, crisp engraving, some spots of minor oxidation/pistol, and mild overall wear. The refinished stock is good and has some repaired cracks mainly
in the forend, darker areas around the accent plates, a glossy finish, crack at the heel on the left, and nice fluting and molding on the forend. Mechanically fine. A very desirable pair of engraved and chiseled Italian Snaphaunce pistols rightfully featured in the book “One Hundred Great Guns” by Lindsay.
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000