Pair of Flintlock Pistols
Gunsmith Girolamo Francino Italian
The Francino gunsmiths of Brescia and Gardone were celebrated. The superiority of Brescian barrels was long recognized. Aside from embellishment, they were sought for the quality of their metal, which was light in weight yet strong. The delicately pierced steel ornament inlaid to be flush with the surface of the stock is a characteristic design feature of Brescian firearms of this period.