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 after training in Ireland. Born in Ireland, Haslett initially trained with Robert McCormick of McCormick horse pistol fame, before he opened his own shop in 1803. This example has a cast brass construction with double barrels that have false rifling, normally used to twist off the barrels, but this example has barrels integral to frame, light cast decorations; there is a faint "V" proof on underside of barrel that may be remnants of a British proof. Simple boxlock action engraved on right side "James Haslett / Baltimore", left side "Warrented [sic]". Single trigger, with a sliding pan on left side to cover the touch hole if one wanted to shoot only one barrel. Reinforced cock with simple line engraving. Single piece birdshead walnut butt with brass wire inlay and a silver plated brass shield. Buttcap with an American eagle clasping an olive branch and bundle of arrows, surmounted by 11 stars. The quality of work is not up to Haslett's usual standard and the casting throughout may be indicative of a prototype or proof-of-concept piece. CONDITION: Brass has a deep golden patina with handling marks and some casting flaws throughout. Buttcap brass a deeper golden patina than frame. Stock is very good with some light handling marks, a few minor chips near frame. Trigger must be pushed forward to catch the cock, bores are very good. Accompanied by an inventory sheet and photocopies of "Gunsmiths of Maryland" by Hartzler and Whisker, where this pistol is photographed.
Caliber/Bore
.44 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
James Haslett
Model
Double Barrel Pistol