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Learn MorePair 17th-Century Italian Snaphaunce Pistols
- This pair of 17th-century Italian snaphaunce pistols was featured in One Hundred Great Guns
- They are adorned with intricately pierced and engraved ironwork, reflect the prestige of dueling
- Floral motifs, bird accents and red fabric details enhance the artistry
- Crafted in Brescia, these pistols represent the finest craftsmanship of 17th-century Italian gunmakers
- Get complete item description here
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Item No.
32-0088
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Description
It is exceedingly rare for pristine 17th-century Italian snaphaunce pistols to come to market, and even more remarkable to find a pair highlighted on page 61 of Merrill Lindsay’s renowned One Hundred Great Guns. These exquisite pistols, with their impeccably preserved silvered mounts, exemplify the extraordinary craftsmanship that defined the golden age of Italian gunmaking in the 17th century.
Snaphaunce pistols, the forerunners of the flintlock, were revolutionary for their simplification of. . .
Snaphaunce pistols, the forerunners of the flintlock, were revolutionary for their simplification of. . .
Read More
It is exceedingly rare for pristine 17th-century Italian snaphaunce pistols to come to market, and even more remarkable to find a pair highlighted on page 61 of Merrill Lindsay’s renowned One Hundred Great Guns. These exquisite pistols, with their impeccably preserved silvered mounts, exemplify the extraordinary craftsmanship that defined the golden age of Italian gunmaking in the 17th century.
Snaphaunce pistols, the forerunners of the flintlock, were revolutionary for their simplification of the complex and cumbersome wheel lock mechanism. Unlike the wheel lock, which required manual ignition, the snaphaunce was ready to fire at a moment's notice. Beyond their mechanical innovation, these pistols were also exquisite works of art, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and design. Likely used in duels among the upper class, these firearms were as much symbols of prestige as they were functional weapons. Crafted to be seen, they were never concealed in a holster but displayed as statements of status and refinement.
The ornate pistols have pierced, chiseled and engraved iron elements throughout, with exquisite attention to detail seen in every component. Even the trigger guards and ramrod pipes are adorned with intricate pierced designs, while the pommel caps feature red fabric visible through the floral patterns, adding a vibrant contrast to the ironwork. Floral motifs dominate the design, with bird accents and masks carefully integrated into the accent plates surrounding the barrel tangs. The smoothbore barrels, with flared muzzles and banded transitions, are further embellished by extensive floral engraving, enhancing the functional yet luxurious nature of these weapons.
Throughout the 17th century, Italian gunmakers from Brescia were world-renowned for their skill and artistry, and pistols like this were crafted with the most precious metals, materials and intricacy. Few of these works of art are found today because they were often lost through the great expanse of time, deconstructed to access valuable materials, or destroyed. Finding this famous pristine pair of pistols is undoubtedly rare and exceptional.
Circa 1675
Each: 5 1/8“ high x 20” wide x 2 5/8“ deep
Literature:
Lindsay, Merrill. One Hundred Great Guns. New York: Walker and Company, 1967, pg. 61
Snaphaunce pistols, the forerunners of the flintlock, were revolutionary for their simplification of the complex and cumbersome wheel lock mechanism. Unlike the wheel lock, which required manual ignition, the snaphaunce was ready to fire at a moment's notice. Beyond their mechanical innovation, these pistols were also exquisite works of art, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and design. Likely used in duels among the upper class, these firearms were as much symbols of prestige as they were functional weapons. Crafted to be seen, they were never concealed in a holster but displayed as statements of status and refinement.
The ornate pistols have pierced, chiseled and engraved iron elements throughout, with exquisite attention to detail seen in every component. Even the trigger guards and ramrod pipes are adorned with intricate pierced designs, while the pommel caps feature red fabric visible through the floral patterns, adding a vibrant contrast to the ironwork. Floral motifs dominate the design, with bird accents and masks carefully integrated into the accent plates surrounding the barrel tangs. The smoothbore barrels, with flared muzzles and banded transitions, are further embellished by extensive floral engraving, enhancing the functional yet luxurious nature of these weapons.
Throughout the 17th century, Italian gunmakers from Brescia were world-renowned for their skill and artistry, and pistols like this were crafted with the most precious metals, materials and intricacy. Few of these works of art are found today because they were often lost through the great expanse of time, deconstructed to access valuable materials, or destroyed. Finding this famous pristine pair of pistols is undoubtedly rare and exceptional.
Circa 1675
Each: 5 1/8“ high x 20” wide x 2 5/8“ deep
Literature:
Lindsay, Merrill. One Hundred Great Guns. New York: Walker and Company, 1967, pg. 61
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Specifications
| Period: | 17th Century |
| Type: | Arms and Armor |
| Depth: | 2.63 in. (6.67 cm) |
| Width: | 20.0 in. (50.8 cm) |
| Height: | 5.13 in. (13.02 cm) |
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Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
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