UNUSUAL GOLD MOUNTED EARLY FLINTLOCK PISTOL BY VINCENZO MARIANO OF BRESCIA WITH BARREL MARKED LAZARINO COMINAZZO.

inv# 01-19051

Cal. 50.
NSN.
Bbl. 11 3/4″ oct. to rnd., w/ incised lines either side of octagonal points, has maker’s name on top flat.

Very early flintlock w/ arched rounded plate has unbridled tumbler & frizzen. Feather spring has nicely filed finial. The serpentine cock & tail of lockplate are deeply chased w/ scrolling vines & acanthus. Inset pan also w/ relief engraving is of solid gold. Area under pan has some light scroll engraving along w/ “Vicensco Mariano B.” (which is probably Brescia, cannot be read because it is under feather spring finial). Walnut stock is pinned to bbl. & extends to muzzle & has relief carved false ramrod, thimble & tailpipe. Remainder of pistol is mounted in what appears to be solid gold (not tested) w/ bulbous spurred grip cap w/ dbl. boss; serpentine sideplate relief engraved w/ dragon’s head & tail; trigger plate & trigger guard which has fancy engraved pinecone finial. The letter “C” stamped on flared bow. Top of grip is inlet w/ relief gold device of leaves, flower, & crescent moon.