GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
EXTREMELY RARE AND FINE SCHWEITZER "LIBERTY CAP" PROOF MARK EARLY AMERICAN CONTRACT MARTIAL FLINTLOCK PISTOL. SCHWEITEZER BRASS F/L PISTOL NSN 54 Cal. 54. 14" overall, 9" distinctive brass smooth bore, cannon muzzle. This particular pistol is by far the finest of two examples known with incredible collection history and literature provenance. This is among the earliest U.S. Martial pistols made after the Revolutionary War, circa 1795. Sam Smith in his text on historic pistols states the gun could be as early as 1785. The raised Liberty cap over "P" in a sunken oval proof mark is not known after 1798. The bbl inspector "PG" is most likely Peter Gotez who is known to have inspected guns according to Hartzler in 1799. Hartzler also notes "Schweitzer" found on lock is most likely Abram Schweitzer of Lancaster, PA. The "Wise" markings on top of bbl likely represent the officer who carried this gun as the only other known example is marked on bbl "Simpson". This is among the rarest and finest condition 18th century American martial flintlock pistols extent, included in lot is a new copy of "Historic Pistols" by Samuel Smith & E. W. Bitter showing this rare gun. PROVENANCE: Ex-Norm Flayderman Collection; Ex-Joseph Murphy Collection; Pictured on pgs 102-103 of "Historic Pistols, The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845" by Samuel E Smith & Edwin W. Bitter, 1985; Pictured and described on pgs 207-208 of Robert Riley's "United States Martial Flintlocks", 1986; Pictured on pgs 64-66 "U.S. Martial Single Shot Pistols", Daniel D. Hartzler & James B. Whisker, 1997; Pictured on Pg 247 of "Flayderman's Guide to Antique Firearms", Norm Flayderman, 2007. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Gun appears orig and complete in every regard. Iron is overall grey/plum with scattered areas of light pitting. Brass bbl and mounts have a light mustard/brass patina. Stock is solid and well fit with hand worn patina and scattered small dings, scratches and other cosmetic blemishes that do not affect aesthetics. 50731-1 JS (30,000-40,000)