Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a truly lovely Snaphaunce pistol, its form apparently identifying it as coming from the island of SARDINIA in the Western Mediterranean Sea, sea not too far from CORSICA, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte.Measuring about 16" in overall length, the Silver inlaid barrel is almost 9 1/2" long. The wood full stock is extensively inlaid with swirling Silver wire inlays that extends all over the Butt Cap. The trigger guard seems to be of a Nickel alloy, while the barrel band at the muzzle is definitely silver.

The lock is spectacular and of relatively diminutive size, but is still fully engraved with silver wire nearly everywhere. It looks almost like a lock from an early 17th century Scottish all steel pistol.

A most intriguing old Snaphaunce Pistol probably between 250 and 300 years old. Fully cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1750-1800
Caliber: approx .59 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 16 inches
Action: Snaphaunce Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

History of the Snaphaunce Lock:

A snaphance or snaphaunce is a type of lock for firing a gun or is a gun using that mechanism. The name is Dutch in origin but the mechanism can not be attributed to the Netherlands with certainty. It is the mechanical progression of the wheellock firing mechanism, and along with the miquelet lock and doglock are predecessors of the flintlock mechanism. It fires from a flint struck against a striker plate above a steel pan to ignite the priming powder which fires the gun. Examples of this firearm can be found through Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

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.