A fine snaphaunce lock pistol by Acqua Fresca dating:... Lot 23

A fine snaphaunce lock pistol by Acqua Fresca dating: 18th Century provenance: Bologna, Smoothbore, two-stage, 14 mm cal. barrel, octagonal at the first part with mark depicting a brass-inlaid prancing lion under a gold cross with silver base, the vent with gold covering, then with rings and round. Engraved tang. Beautiful lock richly engraved and carved with masks, snake, bird and floral motifs, perfectly reflecting the skill of one of the masters of this magnificent family of gunsmiths. Signed 'Acqua Fresca' inside, bridle finely carved and engraved with an eagle's head. Briarwood full stock (old restoration of the time of use) with horn fore-end cap and with beautiful silver mounts finely engraved with floral motifs, the counter-plate with two female figures, cornucopias, snakes, an eagle's head, mask and floral motifs. The butt-plate depicting the face of a bearded man. Horn-tipped wooden ramrod and iron cartridge extractor. length 28.5 cm.