Combination Flintlock Pistol and Concealed Dagger 1665 - 1715

This 17th-century flintlock pistol, crafted by Matteo Cecchi, is an impressive example of both functionality and decorative artistry. The firearm, which also features a concealed dagger, boasts intricate silver inlays that adorn the wood stock. The swirling designs, a testament to the skill of Acquafresca, as Cecchi was known, highlight the craftsmanship prevalent in the period. The pistol's combination of weaponry and decoration speaks to a time when such objects were not only tools but also symbols of status and power. Now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the pistol offers a glimpse into the world of arms and artistry of the 17th and 18th centuries.