{"product_id":"original-early-18th-century-matched-pair-of-franco-flemish-flintlock-pistols-by-gilles-massin-of-liege-circa-1740","title":"Original Early 18th Century Matched Pair of Franco-Flemish Flintlock Holster Pistols by Gilles Massin of Liège, Circa 1740","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal items: One of a Kind Pair. This is an exceptional matched pair of early 18th century Franco-Flemish flintlock holster pistols, each signed \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eGILLES MASSIN\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGILLES MASSIN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGilles 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecoration 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications (Both):-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1740\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .63\" Pistol\u003cbr\u003eMaker: Gilles Massin\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Lead Ball \u0026amp; Powder\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 13 1\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 21 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Flintlock Side Action\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45588627882053,"sku":"ONAC26B062","price":4995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/A4B78AF9-979A-4F2F-9871-97390FA4BE1E.jpg?v=1787342104","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-early-18th-century-matched-pair-of-franco-flemish-flintlock-pistols-by-gilles-massin-of-liege-circa-1740","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}