Double barrel wheellock pistols are already rare, but examples in this unusual "tuning-fork" configuration are incredibly rare, and most examples known are from Germany in the mid and late-16th century rather than Northern Italy. The pistol is built almost like one pistol set upside down on top of another and has two of everything except the stock and pommel cap. The smoothbore, tapered, octagonal barrels are both marked "LAZARI COMINAZ" with trefoil accents. The trigger guards are attached to the engraved barrel tangs. The trigger guards and the various accent plates on the stocks have intricate, pierced, interlaced scrollwork. The locks have border and floral engraving on the flats below the wheels and lighter engraving on wheels themselves, dogs, and pans. The locks are secured via a screw through each lock at the front and a single screw from one into the other at the rear. The inside of the locks have a "crown/BP" maker's mark and some additional light scroll engraving. The triggers are finely sculpted and pierced. There are no provisions for ramrods. The stock is three-pieces with slabs on either side of the barrels ahead of the locks and a butt-section with fishtail pommel with an iron cap. Provenance: The Tom Lewis Collection

Fine with gray and brown patina, light oxidation mainly on the furniture, and general mild age and storage related wear overall. The wood is very good and has a dark finish, light scratches and dings, thin slightly separated break and repair visible in the wrist, and mild wear concentrated near the muzzles. Definitely a very interesting and extremely rare double barrel wheellock pistol.