What was their first model?.......A bow and arrow?....
Match lock probably ....
My own personal favorite Beretta was the Model 70 and or 71 in .22 rimfire. Massad liked em as well.
http://www.momentsintimeantiques.co.uk/resources/DSC_0413~2.jpg.opt898x505o0,0s898x505.jpg
I call mine the jewish Q-Tip.... gets ear wax out of bad guys really quick.