4478 EARLY SNAPHAUNCE BELT PISTOL BY PIETRO MORETTA OF

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This item SOLD at 2025 Nov 02 @ 18:36UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 750.00 USD
Estimated at 1,500.00 - 2,250.00 USD
BRESCIA. Cal. 50. S# NSN. This fairly well known maker was working in Brescia, Northern Italy between 1680-1740. This pistol probably dates to just before or slightly after the turn of the century. It has 9-1/2" octagon to round barrel with gold poincon on top flat marked "P" "MOR" "ETTA". Snaphaunce lock having slightly chamfered flat plate with tail is fitted with flat faced reinforced cock, inset faceted pan with sliding cover and nicely shaped snaphaunce type frizzen with well filed feather spring. European walnut stock with knob grip extends to within a 1/4" of muzzle and is pinned to barrel. Mouldings with relief scroll carved accents surround major parts. Some mounts are steel including spurred grip cap with relief carved acanthus and multi-pierced sideplate in the form of scrolls. Trigger guard is brass. A steel belt hook with well filed finial is affixed to left side. Walnut ramrod with horn tip and worm tail mounts through beaded brass pipe and matching thimble. CONDITION: good. Iron and steel parts cleaned to pewter gray with some remaining pin prick pitting; sharp edges are softened. Brass is somewhat toned after cleaning. Stock with old oil refinish shows some repairs at right side of grip. Bore is pitted. Lock will not cock. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of Nicholas Apergis. (01-27552/MGM). ANTIQUE. $1,500-2,250.