Pair of 1676 dated Pistols by Beretta

Beretta holds a very special place in the world of firearms manufacture. While the likes of Colt and Remington can be traced back to the early 19th century, Bartolomeo Beretta started manufacturing arquebus barrels in 1526. Beretta arms have been used in every major European war since 1650.
Offered here is a very rare pair of Beretta pistols dated 1676.
The .52 calibre, octagonal to round, smooth bore barrel measure just under 6 ½ inches while the pistols measure just over 11 inches.
The barrels show a Spanish influence with the chiselled girdle separating the octagonal and round parts. The white metal inlay of ‘PIETRO BERETTA’ is clearly visible on both barrels. See photos. There are also three arrow like designs at the breech which may be the progenitor of the modern three trident, Beretta logo.
The locks are a variant of the Miquelet system often called the Roman lock. Both lock tails are marked ‘1676 / G.P.B.’ probably for Giovanni Beretta.
Pietro Beretta is recorded as working from around 1640 to 1680 while records for Giovanni exist from 1641 to 1670. It seems he worked a bit beyond what the records say.
The locks do not seem to have been made with a half cock as one releases from the first click and the other refuses to go that far.
The side-plates are of chiselled steel with floral designs.
The unusual elongated, iron trigger guard with its twisted iron post and ball terminus is very reminiscent of earlier crossbows and military wheellock long arms. This may have been for a special order at the time.
The stocks are in a good used condition with the usual handling marks. It is unusual to fined a pistol of this era with checked grips. These may have been added at some later time.
The rammers are original to the pistols.
For pistols that will be turning 350 years old in 2026 they are in remarkable condition.
Sold as a collector item only.
Because of the value of these item special shipping arrangement may have to be made. Lay buy is available.