386 - A rare Venditti System pistol with three magazines

A rare Venditti System pistol with three magazines dating: about 1880 provenance: Kingdom of Italy, Rifled barrel of hexagonal section, with a round section towards the nozzle, bearing the inscription "SISTEMA VENDITTI" on the back, with a circular mark at the centre depicting a crown, a star and a sword above the letters "TA". Floral engravings at both ends of the octagonal section, repeated along the sides. The barrel is fitted with a tubular magazine underneath and two additional magazines along the sides, allowing the main magazine to be replenished. The rotating section at the front of the barrel (still retaining its original blue finish) allows, through the appropriate operations, the main magazine to be loaded, the two additional magazines to be filled, and the ammunition to be transferred from the auxiliary magazines to the main one, which in turn feeds the firearm through the mechanism operated by the loading lever. The two detachable side magazines are still present (each containing a spring that is likely unrelated to the weapon, given that their sole function is as containers), as is the spring-loaded follower of the main magazine. The upper side of the muzzle is also fitted with a front sight. The release catch for the rotating section is in good working order. The bore is in good condition, although showing some signs of use and age, with visible rifling and a ring of deposits (pitting?) near the muzzle. Calibre approximately 9.5 mm at the nozzle. The frame, typically made of brass and featuring some floral engravings, is fitted with an iron cartridge elevator and iron side plates, both still retaining much of their original blue finish. The frame bears the same mark as the barrel and is also fitted with a fixed iron rear sight. The mechanism is slightly hesitant but still working (probably requiring only cleaning). The grip frame is made in one piece with the main frame, fitted with a lanyard ring and complete with its plain wooden grip scales. The backstrap engraved. An antique firearm employing a proprietary centre-fire cartridge, of which no surviving examples are known, in splendid condition, with metal surfaces still remarkably fresh and well preserved, showing only minimal pitting or signs of age. A firearm of considerable appeal, remarkable mechanical ingenuity and great rarity.