Original Early 18th Century Matched Pair of Franco-Flemish Flintlock Holster Pistols by Gilles Massin of Liège, Circa 1740
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Original items: One of a Kind Pair. This is an exceptional matched pair of early 18th century Franco-Flemish flintlock holster pistols, each signed GILLES MASSIN on the barrel rib and attributed to the noted Liège gunmaker active during the first half of the 18th century. Dating to approximately 1740, both pistols are richly decorated throughout, with long barrels, ornate brass furniture, extensively carved figured stocks, and the elegant proportions associated with high quality continental arms of the period.
This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Each pistol is fitted with a barrel measuring approximately 13 1/4" long with a bore of approximately .63 caliber, giving an overall length of approximately 21". Both barrel ribs are signed:
GILLES MASSIN
The lower facets of the lock plates also bear worn signatures, though the lettering is no longer sufficiently legible to identify the lock maker with confidence. During this period it was not unusual for locks, barrels, and other components to originate from different specialist makers, so the surviving barrel signatures provide the clearest maker association for the pair. There is a known example of a pistol by Armand Bongarde with a lock by Massin, with Bongarde considered the maker of the pistol.
Gilles Massin is recorded as active in Liège around 1730-1740. Surviving arms bearing his name are represented in major museum collections, including a flintlock fowling piece in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and a pair of flintlock pistols in the Cleveland Museum of Art. Period spellings of his name vary somewhat in the surviving record.
Decoration is extensive across virtually every visible surface. The breech sections of the barrels and the principal lock components are ornamented, while the brass furniture is equally elaborate, including finely pierced side plates and heavily decorated long eared butt caps. Age, oxidation, and repeated cleaning have softened much of the engraving and surface detail on the iron components, while some of the relief decoration on the brass, particularly around the butt caps, has also become faint from long handling and wear.
The stocks are made from highly figured flame grained wood, possibly walnut, with strong chatoyancy visible beneath the lightly waxed finish. They are extensively carved with acanthus leaves and other classical motifs, and much of this carving remains well defined. The pale nose caps appear to be bone or a similar material, though their exact composition is uncertain. They have been carved to continue the decoration of the stocks and extend over the ends of the ramrods, preventing the ramrods from being removed in their present configuration.
Both flintlock actions remain functional in their present condition, holding correctly at half cock and releasing only from full cock, with strong mainsprings. Overall condition is very good for a matched pair of this age, with substantial original decorative character and stock carving remaining despite extensive age, old oxidation, and repeated cleaning of the metalwork. These mechanical observations describe only the current condition of the pistols and should not be interpreted as confirmation that either is safe to load or fire.
With their matching Gilles Massin barrel signatures, ornate brass furniture, decorated lockwork, carved flame figured stocks, long eared butt caps, approximately .63 caliber bores, and remarkably cohesive matched presentation, this is a particularly impressive pair of early 18th century Franco-Flemish flintlock holster pistols. The worn lock signatures, softened engraving, repeated old cleaning, and uncertain nose cap material are all fully disclosed. They would display especially well in a Liège gunmaking, Franco-Flemish arms, matched flintlock pistol, early European firearms, or advanced 18th century arms collection.
Specifications (Both):-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1740
Caliber: .63" Pistol
Maker: Gilles Massin
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 13 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 21 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey, and New York
This product is available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most jurisdictions, antique firearms are legal to own and are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements as modern firearms. Under U.S. federal law, any firearm manufactured on or before December 31, 1898, is classified as an antique firearm and is not considered a firearm under the Gun Control Act of 1968. As such, no federal license or FFL (Federal Firearms License) transfer is required for purchase or possession. Antique firearms may be legally shipped to most U.S. states and to over 25 countries worldwide via UPS, subject to applicable shipping and import/export restrictions. Please note: Firearms laws vary by country, state, and locality, and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to consult with local law enforcement or a qualified legal professional to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations in your area.
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