November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Haslett is recorded in Stockel as being active in Philadelphia and Baltimore circa 1773 - 1833, and immigrated to the US in 1798. Born in Ireland, Haslett initially trained with Robert McCormick of McCormick horse pistol fame, before he opened his own shop in 1803. Having trained in Europe, Haslett's pistols demonstrate a significant European influence, producing an extremely attractive form. This example is fitted with somewhat longer than usual 9 - 5/8" octagonal Damascus barrels, decorated with gold bvands at muzzle and breech, which are further accented by fine wrigglework. Top rib with a single long sighting flute with an elongated oval gold inlay over patent section of breech, and bead front sight. Ramrod sits in a half-length rib and is retained by a single ferrule before feeding into a reinforced mouth. Underside of barrels marked with a pair of eagle head proofs on either side of "NARROW / TWISTED" Damascus designation, "HASLETT / BALTIMORE" on underside of patent breech, and truing strike. Flat, stepped lock showing distinctly European traits with "HASLET" poincon deeply and clearly struck under the pan, roller bearing frizzen, fenced waterproof pan with gold lining, diminutive swan necked gold, and rays engraved at rear of step and behind pan; bevelled edges engraved with stiff leaf engraving. English push on safeties and single lock bolts. American walnut half stocks with bag shaped grips, checkered in two panels, and separated by a flat land on either side of the grip. Silver forearm cap engraved with floral borders, ramrod mouth with rays, plain barrel key escutcheon, trigger guard with spur and engraved with a patriotic stand of arms and extending into a pineapple finial. Single set triggers. Vacant silver thumbpieces. Of the two ramrods, horn tipped rod with worm is most likely original, while other is a period replacement. CONDITION: Very good plus, with approximately half of the browning remaining on the barrels, mixed with some patches of oxidation. Visible Damascus twist, and some rubbing to silver at stock line and underneath from contact with wood. Engraving is crisp throughout, silver mounts have some very mild tarnishing that could easily be cleaned by their new owner should they desire. One English safety is broken but other operates appropriately. Barrel keys with some minor chipping from improper handling. Stocks are very good, pistol with damaged safety has some openings in grain on left side of butt that appears stable. Mechanically fine (excepting set triggers, which need attention to set), bores are good with a minimum of oxidation. Accompanied by photocopies of pages of "Gunsmiths of Maryland" by Daniel Hartzler and James Biser Whisker and "Maryland Longrifles", also by Hartzler and Whisker, documenting these pistols. Haslett pistols are extremely well regarded and his pistols represent not only the finest echelon of American pistols but also the top tier of European craftsmanship. CF: The Renwick-Locke Halsett pistols, JDJ, Lot 2301, Fall 2013; Pair of Haslett pistols made for Jerome-Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon's youngest brother, JDJ, Lot 2366, Spring 2014. There are very few better pairs of American pistols in existence. EMW
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 9 - 5/8"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .50 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
(BOTH) Halsett
Paperwork
Photos and Copy of book page