Collection Online as of March 31, 2020

Pair of Flintlock Pistols (2 of 2)

early 1700s

Part of a set. See all set records

Franco-Flemish, Liège, early 18th Century

Steel with gold inlay, gilt-brass mounts; walnut burl stock; chiseled high-relief decoration

Overall: 49.5 cm (19 1/2 in.); Barrel: 32.1 cm (12 5/8 in.); Bore: 1.5 cm (9/16 in.)

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.50.2

Location

210C Firearms

Description

The barrel of this pistol is signed G. MASSIN, a gunsmith apparently working in eastern France or French-speaking Flanders, possibly the city of Liège. The exquisite ornament along the breech of the barrel is chiseled and engraved. The gilded lock-plate and mounts may be compared to the finest contemporary work in other media, such as furniture with ormolu mounts.

Inscriptions

Inscription

on barrel: G. MASSIN

Citations

Catalogue of Arms and Armour. Vol. 4, 17th to 19th century and a few pieces of iron work. [Boston, Massachusetts]: [Frank Gair Macomber], [1900-1915]. Mentioned and Reproduced: No. (261) 288 archive.org

Gilchrist, Helen Ives. A Catalogue of the Collection of Arms & Armor Presented to the Cleveland Museum of Art by Mr. and Mrs. John Long Severance; 1916-1923. Cleveland: Cleveland Museum of Art, 1924. Mentioned: p. 149, F16; Reproduced: Plate XXXIV, F16 archive.org

Fliegel, Stephen N. Arms and Armor: The Cleveland Museum of Art. [Cleveland, Ohio]: The Museum, 1998. p. 173, cat. no. 216

Fliegel, Stephen N. Arms & Armor: The Cleveland Museum of Art. [Cleveland, Ohio]: Cleveland Museum of Art, 2007. p. 193, cat. no. 218

Exhibition history

The Cleveland Museum of Art (09/10/1998); "Armor Court Reinstallation"

The Cleveland Museum of Art (07/16/2016-11/06/2016); Elegance and Intrigue: French Society in 18th-century Prints and Drawings.

Armor Court Reinstallation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer).

Elegance and Intrigue: French Society in 18th-century Prints and Drawings. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer).