The snaphance, aka snaphaunce, was introduced around 1550 and was used alongside the matchlocks, wheellocks, and other early firearms ignition systems until most of them were replaced by the flintlock in the 17th century. The Italians, however, continued to manufacture snaphances into the mid-18th century. This smoothbore pistol is signed "L. LAZARINO" on the short sighting flat and has faint engraving at the breech. The lock has a variety of mainly mask designs, including raised relief chiseled grotesque masks, and the steel and cock are also finely shaped and chiseled. The lock has the proper automatically opening pan and only a full-cock notch on the tumbler. The furniture is all iron and has some border engraving and a small pastoral scene on the pierced scroll pattern side plate. The stock has molding, raised flats, and some nice figure. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr

Good with mainly gray patina, some minor oxidation/pitting, some softened engraving, distinct chiseled marks, and mild overall wear. The stock is fair and has several filled holes, some cracks and repairs, and general moderate wear. Mechanically fine.