A Tuscan Miquelet Lock Sporting Gun, 64” long overall with 49” 13 bore barrel, swamped at the muzzle, with a silver bead foresight. Three stage barrel, round to octagonal, inlaid with ten silver bands with gold makers marks of Leoni of Pistoia, Tuscany. Top flat engraved ‘G.P.I.P’ and a monogram with a crown. Miquelet lock with, flat lockplate, tail formed as a monster's head chiselled in high relief. Frizzen en suite. The cock inhabited with masks and a cherub. Walnut half stock with wooden trigger guard with silver strap, fluted butt with silver nailed on buttplate, silver sideplate. Barrel retained by silver band. Silver sling swivels and original horn tip ramrod with worm in silver ramrod pipe.
A very attractive and high quality gun in good condition.
Circa 1760.
Cristiano Leoni, Pistoia, c. 1750–75.