The snaphaunce is one of the earlier forms of flint and steel ignition and was introduced in the mid-16th century. It remained in use in Northern Italy into the mid-18th century giving it a particularly long period of use. Ornate pistols such as this remain comparably hard to find and very desirable. This pistol appears to be made in or near Brescia in Northern Italy as it has the metal work the region’s pistols are known for.  This particular iron mounted Italian .50 caliber Snaphaunce belt pistol with a 14-inch tapering barrel is signed "Francesco Platta" on the sighting flat. The engraved rounded Tusco-Emilian lock retains a wonderful engraving of a sea serpent while also chiseled in relief with a cherub-mask on the tail of the plate and also on the cock-retaining bolt. There are pierced and chiseled details on the cock and the arm of the steel, chiseled steel-spring (a small metal chip on its bottom face). There is a scroll open work iron side-plate. The trigger-guard is engraved with scrolling foliage on the bow and with a relief finial. The engraved long spurred pommel with chiseled putto-mask is in relief. There are 2 iron barrel baluster ramrod-pipes, and the original iron-tipped ramrod ends in a bullet extracting worm. The original 6-inch-long belt hook is in place. There is an open work iron wrist escutcheon. The wooden stock has fine raised carvings. There is a small age crack that runs about an inch on the left side of the stock near the tang of the barrel: this is minor. Here is a fine condition untouched and uncleaned example of a rare 17th century classic firearm.  [pe][ph:L]