196 - An exceptional flintlock repeating pistol, designed by Francesco Berselli in Bologna around 1660.

An exceptional flintlock repeating pistol, designed by Francesco Berselli in Bologna around 1660. Intended for a horseman, this pistol, 600 millimeters long, features a 360-millimeter barrel in 12.5-millimeter caliber, consisting of two distinct sections. The first section, which is faceted, features a step in the center and ends with a ring deeply engraved into the metal. The second section is round and tapers toward the ring that reinforces the muzzle. A large barley-grain front sight crowns this muzzle reinforcement. The rear sight is carved from a large piece of metal positioned at the top of the metal ring into which the movable breech slides. The stock is made of walnut. The barrel, beautifully engraved, tapers from the front of the chamber to the muzzle. The ramrod is housed beneath the barrel. Made of wood, it slides into the barrel, supported by two iron ramrod holders. The pear-shaped stock features two metal reinforcing braces and a hinged cover that reveals the magazine openings. The first is marked with the letter P, for powder; the second is marked B for bullets. The round flintlock lock is truncated in front of the hammer to make room for the rotating cylinder and the small chamber containing the priming powder. The movable cylinder is made of brass to prevent the risk of the powder igniting due to friction between two ferrous metal parts. The fittings are made of iron, and the metal parts are adorned with a delicate floral-inspired engraving. The rear plate consists of two parts. At the back is a flat metal piece cut into the shape of a flower and engraved. At the front, it is a thick metal piece that follows the outline of the cocking lever and ends with the head of a long-necked bird—likely a heron—stylized by the engraver. The operating lever for the sliding breech is made of iron, as is the circular bracket that secures it to the brass cylinder. The manufacturer’s name is engraved on two lines at the base of the receiver: BERSELLI BOLOGNA