The miquelet lock first came into use around the second half of the 16th century and remained in use even into the percussion era in despite the introduction of the "true" flintlock mechanism in the early 17th century. This pistol has the Spanish patilla style lock with distinctive hammer shape and both the half cock and full cock sears visible between the flash pan and the cock. The latter has a small "foot" that engages the sears. The frizzen has a serrated battery face on the frizzen as is common. This example has a cannon style multi-stage barrel with silver inlaid bird and floral designs on the octagonal section and a gold inlaid "TE/NAS" hallmark at the breech. The other components have coordinating floral and border engraving designs. The lock is marked "PITOT." This marking may be longer given that it butts right up to the edge of the mainspring. The full length stock has attractive raised relief carving and fluting and an "FPV" marked initial shield on the wrist. The left side has a belt hook and a wooden ramrod with iron tip is fitted below the barrel. Elia Tenas is recorded as active around 1700 in Gardone Val Trompia in northern Italy. Well regarded makers of black powder firearms including Pedersoli and Uberti are still based in this region.

Very good. The pistol is between bright and a gray patina overall with some areas of light spotting. The silver inlaid designs and gold inlaid hallmark are distinct as is most of the engraving patterns. The stock is fine with some chips along the edges of the inlets and several dings and light scratches. The lock is stiff but functions fine. This is a very attractive early 18th century or possibly earlier miquelet pistol.