15TH CENTURY ITALIAN WROUGHT IRON SWIVEL GUN IN FORM OF A SERPENT.

SN NSN. This rare form is highly sought and few are known in continental institutions and museums. This particular example came from the prominent collection of Frank E. Bivins Jr. and pictured on p.190 plate No.539 of Half Century Scrapbook of Vari-Type Firearms cataloged by Theodore Dexter 1960 though mis-labeled as Spanish 1550. Marked on breech near vent with a partially readable date “14XX”. On top of breech near vent along with date is marked “VALOROSO SCOPIECTO FERISCI EL PIETO”. This gun measures 40-1/2″ overall with a bore length of 23″, bore diameter is about .80″. This is the earliest firearm in the collection dating from the late 15th century. It is an extremely unusual and classical work of art as well as being an effective looking weapon. The gunsmith or blacksmith who hammered this piece into its present intricate, nearly perfect serpent shape was a gifted artist. The scales, fin detail, and head of the mythical beast are executed with a most lifelike technique. Pieces of this quality and magnificence are valued as much for being a work of art as for being an unusual weapon. The writer has not located or observed other weapons of this type for purposes of comparison in private hands, just a few examples are found in continental museum collections. The bbl is oct in cross section. The muzzle is a serpent’s head with open mouth showing teeth. The tiller of the piece is of the form of a long, gracefully curved fish tail culminating in a very wide tail fin. Long, thin trunnions are provided for mounting. It is mounted on an old, finely crafted oak stand, which a wrought iron yoke which fits under the trunnions. The Tower of London volunteered to test a small sample of metal from the piece, and laboratory test results revealed an unusually high phosphorous content, apparently added by the maker for reasons unknown. PROVENANCE: Frank E. Bivins, Jr. Collection. Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall as can be seen in photographs though markings are weak but mostly discernible. 4-54174 JS154 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1416

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Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1416	$23,000.00	15TH CENTURY ITALIAN WROUGHT IRON SWIVEL GUN IN FORM OF A SERPENT. SN NSN. This rare form is highly sought and few are known in continental institutions and museums. This particular example came from the prominent collection of Frank E. Bivins Jr. and pictured on p.190 plate No.539 of Half Century Scrapbook of Vari-Type Firearms cataloged by Theodore Dexter 1960 though mis-labeled as Spanish 1550. Marked on breech near vent with a partially readable date “14XX”. On top of breech near vent along with date is marked “VALOROSO SCOPIECTO FERISCI EL PIETO”. This gun measures 40-1/2″ overall with a bore length of 23″, bore diameter is about .80″. This is the earliest firearm in the collection dating from the late 15th century. It is an extremely unusual and classical work of art as well as being an effective looking weapon. The gunsmith or blacksmith who hammered this piece into its present intricate, nearly perfect serpent shape was a gifted artist. The scales, fin detail, and head of the mythical beast are executed with a most lifelike technique. Pieces of this quality and magnificence are valued as much for being a work of art as for being an unusual weapon. The writer has not located or observed other weapons of this type for purposes of comparison in private hands, just a few examples are found in continental museum collections. The bbl is oct in cross section. The muzzle is a serpent’s head with open mouth showing teeth. The tiller of the piece is of the form of a long, gracefully curved fish tail culminating in a very wide tail fin. Long, thin trunnions are provided for mounting. It is mounted on an old, finely crafted oak stand, which a wrought iron yoke which fits under the trunnions. The Tower of London volunteered to test a small sample of metal from the piece, and laboratory test results revealed an unusually high phosphorous content, apparently added by the maker for reasons unknown. PROVENANCE: Frank E. Bivins, Jr. Collection. Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall as can be seen in photographs though markings are weak but mostly discernible. 4-54174 JS154 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1416 Video: World’s Oldest Decorated Firearm Click here to view provenance Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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15TH CENTURY ITALIAN WROUGHT IRON SWIVEL GUN IN FORM OF A SERPENT.