Page 159 - Auction84-Book2

LOT 1348
Engraved and Pierced Brescian Flintlock Pistol with
Lazari Cominaz Marked Barrel - NSN, 45 cal., 13 3/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This early
flintlock pistol (likely mid to late 17th century) is marked “LAZARI COMINAZ” on top of the ribbed breech section of the three-stage smoothbore barrel. The
Cominazzo family was active in Gardonne Val Trompia in the province of Brescia in the 16th to 18th centuries and renowned for the quality and accuracy of the family’s barrels. The lock has floral, scroll, and bestial engraving that coordinates with the elaborate pierced steel furniture that has
made the Brescian pistols iconic and popular fixtures in both private and institutional collections of fine arms. The stock has some
nice molding along the ramrod channel and raised carving at the ramrod entry point.
CONDITION: Good with mostly mottled gray patina and mild pitting overall. The revarnished stock is fair and has multiple spliced
repairs, thin cracks, and a chip absent from the forend and displays attractive figure. The mainspring is rather weak, but the lock
functions fine.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
throughout Europe. They were in fact so well-respected that other gunmakers counterfeited their markings. The three- lobed punches found at the beginning, middle, and end of the signature on the barrels of these pistols are noted as characteristic of the genuine Lazarino Cominazzo firearms. Their pistols are well-represented in museum collections both in Europe and the U.S. and are particularly known for their intricate metalwork. These pistols have smoothbore, three- stage barrels with girdled transition points, ribbed breech sections, and the “LAZARINO COMINAZO” signed at the breech. The locks have an engraved country gentleman at the center and raised relief chiseled scroll patterns inhabited by bestial masks along with pierced elements creating very attractive three-dimensional artwork. The frizzens have grotesque masks. The furniture is likewise decorated with relief chiseled scroll patterns inhabited by bestial masks in coordination with the locks and includes pierced designs on the triggers, trigger guard finials, behind the barrel tangs, and particularly the side plates. The pistols are also fitted with belt hooks. on the left. The stocks have some nice figure and have relief and raised relief carved designs at the midsections and beautiful shaping overall.
CONDITION: Very good as restored with mostly gray patina and distinct designs, some areas of light brown patina, some spots of reddish discoloration, faint pitting, and generally light age and storage related wear overall. The replaced stock cast mounts are all fine with some light scratches and dings, absent front pin, a repaired crack in the wrist, and spots of minor discoloration. Mechanically fine.
B) Italian Flintlock Belt Pistol - NSN, 44 cal., 14 7/8 inch part round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Very good as restored with mostly gray patina throughout, light fading of the central lock engraving and barrel signature but otherwise distinct designs, some areas of light brown patina, faint pitting, and generally light age and storage related wear overall. The replaced stock and cast mounts are fine with a repaired crack at the nose of the lock, a few other faint cracks or repairs, small flakes at the edges, minor scratches and dings, an absent front pin, and spots of darker discoloration. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,000
LOT 1349
Attractive Pair of Engraved and Chiseled Northern Italian Flintlock Belt Pistols Signed Lazarino Cominazo -A) Italian Flintlock Belt Pistol - NSN, 44
cal., 14 7/8 inch part round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The Lazarino Cominazzo family in Gardon Val Trompia were among the best and most respected Brescian gunmakers of the 17th century and were known
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