Detached Flintlock alla Fiorentina 1679

This detached flintlock, or "alla Fiorentina," was created in 1679 by the Florentine artist Sebastiano Cecchi, known as Acquafresca. The intricate silverwork features a floral design and a pair of grotesque figures with animalistic traits. The piece's delicate detailing and high level of craftsmanship make it an excellent example of the artistic skill found in 17th-century Florence. This type of flintlock was prized for its functionality and beauty, serving as a symbol of wealth and status in the era. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City houses this impressive example of Italian gunsmithing.