#35 • A Good Tusco-Emilian Snaphaunce Belt Pistol Circa 1745

Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Starting at $500.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST

.480 bore diameter, 9.25" Barrel, NSN. A fine and Tusco-Emilian Snaphaunce Belt Pistol, dating to the mid-18th century (circa 1745). Hailing from the historic borders of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, this sidearm reflects a distinct regional charateristics of Northern Italian mechanics and ornate artistic styling. While the rest of Europe had largely standardized the true flintlock by 1740, regional Italian workshops masterfully preserved and refined the earlier snaphaunce ignition system well into the 18th century, producing mechanical works of art prized for their complex actions and aesthetics. Round smoothbore barrel with top flat. The lock of very fine quality engraved and relief chiseled at tail.  The cock chiseled in relief with monstrous face. The cock screw chiseled with a grotesque face. The frizzen pierced and chiseled in the Italian manner.  Elaborate sideplate engraved with scrolling foliage.  All steel mounts are chiseled in relief including spurred buttcap with portrait busts.  Molded high figured fullstock.  Long steel belt hook completes this elegant and scarce Italian Snaphaunce.