Italy, Brescia, 18th century / 1700s
Flintlock Pistol
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Flintlock Pistol as arms and armor (Italy, Brescia, 18th century · 1700s).
The term flintlock is used to describe any firearm that uses a flint-striking ignition mechanism.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as steel with traces of gilding; walnut stock and credits Bortolo Agazzi (Italian).
The museum's collection notes: The flintlock was the most popular style of lock in all of Europe in the mid 1600s through the 1700s except in Spain and Italy where the snaphance was more dominant. This pistol's shine comes from the gold that was applied to the steel shaft. This shiny surface is set off by the rich walnut stock. Upon close inspection, you can see areas of damage to the walnut and even a missing section of decoration on the rear of the handle.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtFlintlock PistolOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.