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Silver-Mounted Italian Snaphaunce Blunderbuss
- Crafted circa 1730, this stunning blunderbuss was made by two great artisans
- It features ornate carved silver mounts with hunting motifs, masks and a crowned escutcheon
- The snaphaunce mechanism was a flint-and-steel ignition system that preceded flintlock
- It was built for devastating close-range defense while exemplifying aristocratic elegance and craftsmanship
- Get complete item description here
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Acqua Fresca & Gironimo Mutti
Circa 1730
This exceptional Italian blunderbuss represents the pinnacle of early 18th-century firearms artistry, created circa 1730 as a collaboration between two of Italy's most distinguished gunsmiths. The weapon features a sophisticated snaphaunce lock mechanism, an advanced flint-and-steel ignition system that preceded the later flintlock design, showcasing the cutting-edge military technology of its era.
The hefty two-stage smoothbore barrel transitions from octagonal at the breech. . .
Acqua Fresca & Gironimo Mutti
Circa 1730
This exceptional Italian blunderbuss represents the pinnacle of early 18th-century firearms artistry, created circa 1730 as a collaboration between two of Italy's most distinguished gunsmiths. The weapon features a sophisticated snaphaunce lock mechanism, an advanced flint-and-steel ignition system that preceded the later flintlock design, showcasing the cutting-edge military technology of its era.
The hefty two-stage smoothbore barrel transitions from octagonal at the breech to round toward the dramatically flared muzzle. Blunderbusses proved ideal for close-range defense during an era plagued by highway robbery and constant warfare, offering quick reloading capabilities whether on horseback, in coaches or aboard ships, while delivering a devastating, scattered shot at close range.
The firearm displays extraordinary Baroque artistry throughout. The lock plate presents an engraved nude female figure with a hound and a bird amid floral scrollwork, signed "Acqua Fresca," while the breech bears Mutti's engraved signature amid shamrock motifs. Functional elements become sculptural: the hammer forms a bearded face and the jaw screw hides beneath a carved mask. The briarwood stock showcases engraved silver furniture, including a hunting trophy sideplate, decorated butt plate and trigger guard with crowned shield, plus practical elements like a saddle ring and original ramrod.
Gironimo Mutti ranked among the premier barrel-makers working at Gardone, near Brescia, whose expertly forged barrels were highly sought after for deluxe firearms. "Acqua Fresca" is the pseudonym of Matteo Cecchi of Bargi, a master gunsmith celebrated for his unparalleled skill in relief-chiseled steel engraving. Working from his remote hamlet near Bologna yet serving an elite clientele—including the Medici rulers of Florence—Cecchi exemplified the extraordinary artistry that defined Italian firearms of this golden age.
4 1/2“ high x 3 1/2” wide x 35 1/2“ long
| Period: | 18th Century |
| Type: | Arms and Armor |
| Depth: | 35.5 in. (90.17 cm) |
| Width: | 3.5 in. (8.89 cm) |
| Height: | 4.5 in. (11.43 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
