Repeating Flintlock Pistol ca. 1690-1700 Michele Lorenzoni This pistol is a rare, early example of the Lorenzoni system, a popular breech-loading repeating mechanism developed for flintlock guns in the third quarter of the seventeenth century. In addition to its quality, fine decoration, and early date, the pistol is significant for being one of the few surviving examples signed by the eponymous Florentine gunmaker Michele Lorenzoni, the probable inventor of the system that bears his name.Originally from Siena, Lorenzoni appears to have spent his entire career in Florence where he enjoyed the employ of the Medici court, competing with the gunmaker Matteo Cecchi, called Acquafresca (1651-1738), for favor. The earliest reference to Lorenzonis work is the mention of a repeating gun purchased from him in 1684 by Elector Johann Georg III of Saxony (1647-1691).The Museums pistol is signed "Lorenzoni" on the right side of the action housing ahead of the drum, and "Firenze" on the brass bree