As early as the 17th century, these pistols were sold at arms fairs which certain Italian makers (notably Brescians) held on the Balkan coast of the Adriatic, principally at Split (It: Spolato) as well as other locations. One could buy a complete weapon or the mounts alone.
The mounts are decorated with what were called "al orientale" (oriental) motifs (typically though not invariably crescent moons and stars.) The marks on the lockplate and triggerguard of this particular example were probably done locally (i.e. in the Balkans) after it was acquired. They cannot be translated because they are not inscriptions; rather, they are intended to emulate Latin characters (which they did, with varying degrees of success.) Most of the owners of these pieces were illiterate. Those that could read might know Greek, Glagolitic or Ottoman characters. Hence, these marks were taken, not as inscriptions per se, but as quality marks. This is roughly comparable to people who cannot read Latin characters nonetheless recognizing the prestige of the Rolls Royce logo. The dragon is also likely a local addition. Before it became the Christian sign of evil, the dragon represented power and strength throughout the East.
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