Artwork Page for Pair of Flintlock Pistols

Details / Information for Pair of Flintlock Pistols

Pair of Flintlock Pistols

c. 1670

Italy, Brescia, 17th century

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Medium
steel, chiseled decoration with walnut stock
Measurements
Overall: 45.1 cm (17 3/4 in.); Barrel: 27.6 cm (10 7/8 in.); Bore: 1.3 cm (1/2 in.)
Weight: 960 g (2.12 lbs.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.52
Public Domain
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Location
210C Firearms
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Did You Know?

This type of pistol fired only once before needing to be reloaded, so they were often produced in matched pairs. Even the trigger is decorated on these beautifully ornate weapons. Look closely to compare how a skilled craftsman carefully matched the patterning on these two guns.

Description

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.
A pair of flintlock pistols features dark walnut stocks interspersed with intricate silver-colored metal plates. Chiseled patterns of foliage and figures wrap around the grips and barrels. The top pistol points right, the bottom left. Bulbous decorative caps terminate the curved heels, mirroring the ornate firing mechanisms. Long barrels rest atop thin metal rods. Shimmering designs contrast with the deep wood and tarnished surfaces, transitioning into dense patterns at the edges.

Pair of Flintlock Pistols

c. 1670

Italy, Brescia, 17th century

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