This fabulous Italian snaphaunce is featured on page 63 of "One Hundred Great Guns" by Merrill Lindsay where it is noted as signed by Bartolomeo Caltrani, made in Tuscany c. 1750, and as then being part of Joe Kindig Jr.'s famous collection. A copy of the book is included with the gun. This gun is also cited in "Firearms in the Princes Odescalchi Collection in Rome" on page 119: "Another work of <<Il Negroni>> is a gun in the Joe Kindig Jr. Collection in York, Pa., with lock inscribed <<Il Negroni 1761>>", and the signature is noted as found after the publication of Lindsay's book (copies of pages included). It is also featured in "Arms and Armor Annual" on page 230 (copies of pages included). The smoothbore barrel has decorative silver panels featuring scroll, martial, and mask designs. The head of a bird serves as the front sight, and the rear sight is on the rear panel. The barrel also features chiseling and engraving, including a bust on the breech and has "RTOLOMEO CALTRANI" signed on top towards the breech. The lock features chiseled and engraved masks and grotesques, and the inside is marked "I LA Negroni" and "1761". The steel mounts also feature extensive chiseled and engraved designs consisting of scrollwork, masks, and various figures. The wrist escutcheon which has a noble coronet, putti supporters, a bust of a woman, and a greenman mask. The stock features raised relief carving incorporating figures among the scrolls. The toe of the buttplate is marked "FRANCESCO MATTEIDAIESI". Sling swivels are fitted to the left. Provenance: The Joe Kindig Jr. Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Fine with attractively aged patina on the silver, gray and brown patina on the iron, moderate pitting at the breech, mostly distinct designs throughout, chipped frizzen, some softening of the carved details, refinished stock with some repairs, and mild overall wear. Mechanically fine.