Gilles Massin is recorded as active around 1730-1740 and was active in the Belgian arms making center of Liege. This pair is featured on pages 468 and 469 of "The Visser Collection Vol. 1 Part 4" by G. de Vries and B.J. Martens. The smoothbore barrels have rounded blade front sights and long sighting flats that are signed "G MASSIN" in panels surrounded by scroll engraving with textured gilt backgrounds. The same style of engraving extends to the locks, iron furniture and mask designs on the pierced side plates. The highly figured maple stock have classic molding and floral carving.

Very good with crisp engraving with bright original gold backgrounds throughout, mostly silver-gray patina throughout, some mild pitting, and general mild wear. The stock is good and has some repaired cracks and chips and distinct molding and carving. Mechanically fine. Overall an extremely attractive pair of 18th century pistols.

See "A." Provenance: The Henk L. Visser Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Very good with crisp engraving with bright original gold backgrounds throughout, mostly silver-gray patina throughout, some mild pitting, and general mild wear. The stock is fair and has multiple splices and other repairs along with some dings and sceatches and distinct molding and carving. Mechanically fine.