Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original early 18th century Italian flintlock pistol, circa 1710, with an extensively decorated Brescian style stock and mountings, a lock signed RETTORI, and a two stage barrel prominently signed LAZARINO COMINAZZO. Measuring approximately 19 1/4" overall, the pistol combines carved European walnut, embossed and inlaid brass ornament, classical profile medallions, and a substantial 12 1/2" barrel with an approximately .53 caliber smooth bore.

Another pistol by this make sold for over $5000 at Rock Island Auctions in May 2025. See the sale at this link.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The pistol is characteristic of the highly decorative arms associated with Brescia and the surrounding northern Italian gunmaking tradition. The lock plate is signed along its lower portion:

RETTORI

The signature is partly obscured by old peppered oxidation, but appears integral to the aged surface rather than a later added marking. The lock is richly decorated with brass inlay set against punched or stippled grounds, incorporating classical profile ornament that is repeated elsewhere on the pistol.

The two stage barrel measures approximately 12 1/2". The breech section is multifaceted before transitioning forward, and the smooth bore measures approximately .53" at the muzzle. Near the breech the barrel is clearly signed:

LAZARINO COMINAZZO

The Cominazzo family of the Brescia and Gardone Val Trompia arms making tradition became particularly renowned for firearm barrels. The Lazarino or Lazzarino name was used by multiple generations of the family, making attribution of an individual signed barrel to one specific member difficult without additional identifying marks. The barrel appears stylistically consistent with the period of the completed pistol.

The pistol measures approximately 19 1/4" overall and is stocked in what appears to be European walnut. The wood has an attractive aged color and is extensively shaped and carved, including fine outline carving that follows the contours of the lock, side furniture, barrel tang, and other fittings.

The brass mountings are especially elaborate. Embossed and chased ornament appears throughout, including classical profile motifs that complement the decoration of the lock. The wrist carries a brass escutcheon that remains blank and does not bear an engraved monogram or coat of arms.

A wooden ramrod remains beneath the barrel. It appears to be an old period replacement rather than necessarily the rod originally supplied with the pistol.

The lock remains mechanically active, though the mainspring feels weak. The trigger releases the lock from both the half cock and full cock positions, so the half cock notch does not presently function as a reliable safety position. This is an important mechanical deficiency. These observations describe only the pistol’s current mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that it is safe to load or fire.

Overall condition is very good for an arm of this age. The brass furniture shows general handling wear and age toning, while the iron components have developed oxidized patina and scattered peppering. Some of this oxidation has softened or obscured portions of the original decoration, particularly around the lock signature. The stock and its extensive mountings remain visually cohesive, with no major structural damage noted in the supplied description.

With its RETTORI signed lock, LAZARINO COMINAZZO signed two stage barrel, extensive brass inlay and embossed furniture, classical profile decoration, carved walnut stock, and substantial early 18th century proportions, this is a particularly appealing example of Brescian style Italian gunmaking. The weak mainspring, unsafe half cock condition, iron oxidation, softened decorative detail, and apparently replaced ramrod are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in an early Italian firearms, Brescia gunmaking, Cominazzo barrel, European flintlock pistol, or advanced 18th century arms collection.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1710
Maker: Rettori of Brescia with Barrel by Cominazzo
Caliber: approx. .53 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 12 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 19 1/4 inches
Action: Snaphaunce Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.