109
Matched Pair of Relief Engraved, Silver-Mounted, 18th Century Italian Flintlock Pistols -A) Italian
Currency:USD
Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory
Start Price:3,000.00 USD
Estimated At:7,500.00 - 15,000.00 USD
SOLD
12,500.00USD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2010 Sep 10 @ 11:00UTC-5 : EST/CDT
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A full invoice should be emailed to the winner by the auctioneer within a day or two.
A) Highly decorated, relief chiseled, silver-mounted, 18th century Italian flintlock pistols marked with the maker's name, "G. B. ZVGNO" on the barrels and locks. The pistols appear to have been made in the early to mid-18th century and have round, smooth bore, .54 caliber, barrels with raised sighting flats. The lower third of the barrel is decorated with relief engraving featuring the bust of a figure in classical armor in an oval surrounded by relief scrollwork on a punch dot background. The maker's name is engraved in an oblong panel on the sighting flat. The banana-shaped, beveled lock plates have delicate gooseneck cocks with graceful, curved spurs, integral iron pans with high, curled, fences, engraved frizzens with curved toes and feather shaped frizzen spring tips. The locks are decorated with intricate relief engraved scroll work on a punch-dot background and gold-inlaid line borders. The heads of the cock screws are engraved with the relief image of the head of a classical goddess. The pin-fastened, highly figured, Italian walnut stocks extend to within one half inch of the muzzle and have flared butts with bulbous profiles. The stocks have delicate relief carving along the barrel channels, ramrod channels and tail pipes, locks, side plates and barrel tangs. The strapped, silver buttcaps are decorated on the sides and straps with relief carved scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The bottom of each buttcap is a separate piece relief craved with the bust of a classical warrior. The silver, scroll-shaped, side plates are decorated with relief-carved engraving surrounding an oval panel carved with the bust of a classical warrior in helmet and cloak. The ramrod pipes and tail pipes are silver and decorate with relief engraving; the tail pipes have a delicate scroll-shaped finial. The silver trigger guards have scroll-shaped finials and are decorated with scroll engraving on punch-dots. The bottoms of the trigger guards feature a relief-engraved classical warrior with plumed helmet. The back of each pistol grip is inlaid with a highly detailed family crest that consists of a crown above a divided shield. The wooden ramrods have flared silver tips. These pistols were clearly made for members of the nobility, perhaps royalty, and reflect the highest quality of workmanship.
BBL: 9 1/2 In
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54 bore
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Fine. The pistol barrels are bright with scattered age discoloration but no pitting. The engraving on the lower one third of the barrels is deep and sharp. The locks show minimal firing wear with sharp engraving and some scattered and very minor age discoloration. The silver furniture has some tarnish but remains in very vine condition with outstanding engraving. The stocks are in fine condition with sharp edges on the relief carved borders. Both pistols have period repaired cracks in the ends above the ramrod pipes. Pistol A has repaired cracks in the bottom of the stock between the lock plate and the trigger guard and in the left side of the grip between the crest and the side plate. All of the repairs are old, possibly period, work that was professionally executed and does not detract from craftsmanship of these exquisite pistols.
B) Engraved Italian Flintlock Pistol
Described in A.
BBL:
Stock:
Gauge: 54
Finish:
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Both pistols have period repaired cracks in the ends above the ramrod pipes. Pistol B has two repaired cracks in the bottom of the stock between the lock plate and the trigger guard. All of the repairs are old, possibly period, work that was professionally executed and does not detract from craftsmanship of these exquisite pistols.
Auction Location:
4507 49th Avenue, Moline, Illinois, 62165, United States
Previewing Details:
Preview: Open to the public Thursday, September 9th from 10 AM to 6 PM and Friday, September 10th from 8 AM to 10 AM.
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
19.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Please contact the auction house for the preferred shipper’s contact information
Payment Details:
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