Pair of Flintlock Pistols, c. 1670. Italy, Brescia, 17th century. Steel, chiseled decoration with walnut stock; overall: cm (17 3/4 in.); barrel: cm (10 7/8 in.); bore: cm (1/2 in.). The chiseling of gun ornament is a task comparable to sculpture on a miniature scale, carried out in an extremely hard material. Since this was usually beyond the skill of most gunsmiths, it was not uncommon for such work to be contracted out as occurred here. While the barrels are signed P. Moretta, the lock plates of these pistols are signed Carlo Lerme, who also chiseled the mounts.

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Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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