Pair of Flintlock Pistols 1661 - 1711

These flintlock pistols were crafted by Giovan Battista Francino in the 17th century. They are made with steel barrels, walnut stocks, and intricate silver inlays. Look closely at the meeting of these materials. The walnut provides a warm ground, literally and figuratively grounding the pieces, that sets off the cold precision of the steel and silver. These guns are as much decorative objects as weapons. The silverwork must have taken many hours to execute, involving skills like chasing, engraving, and possibly casting. And while the overall aesthetic aligns with fine metalwork, the labour involved in producing these pistols connects them to a much wider world of artisanal production. Consider the social implications of such painstaking craftsmanship. These were luxury items, meant for someone of considerable wealth and status. The pistols embody a complex relationship between artistry, technology, and power, blurring the boundaries between craft and fine art.