Pair of Flintlock Pistols Made for Ferdinand IV, King of Naples and Sicily (1751–1825)
Royal Arms Manufactory at Torre Annunziata|Michele Battista|Emanuel Esteva
ca. 1768 · Steel, gold, wood (walnut), silver · Arms and Armor
The Royal Arms Factory in Naples was established in 1757 with the significant participation of Spanish gunmakers, who strongly influenced Neopolitan arms production in both technical innovations and artistic style. These magnificent pistols are signed by two leading craftsmen of the factory and appear to have been made for their patron, King Ferdinand IV of Naples and Sicily (1751–1825). What may be portraits of the young king and his queen on the butts of the pistols suggests that they were made to commemorate the royal wedding in 1768.
- Artist
- Royal Arms Manufactory at Torre Annunziata|Michele Battista|Emanuel Esteva
- Date
- ca. 1768
- Medium
- Steel, gold, wood (walnut), silver
- Culture
- Italo-Spanish, Naples
- Department
- Arms and Armor
- Credit line
- Gift of Henry Walters, 1926
