November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
As the War of 1812 progressed, the need for additional muskets to arm Maryland's militia units became clear, with nearly 6000 purchased during the war through various channels. Among them likely were a small number supplied with Nippes marked locks and delivered by Daniel Henkels, as noted by George Moller in Volume II of "American Military Shoulder Arms". This flintlock is simply marked "NIPPES / & CO / PHILA" behind the cock. 44" .69 caliber barrel marked over the chamber with a encircled "P" proof. Barrel is mounted with 3 spring retained iron bands to a full length American walnut stock branded ahead of the lock "MARYLAND". An additional "6MM" brand on the belly indicates issue with 6th Maryland Militia Regiment, with a set of carved initials "TP" behind the trigger guard attributed to Thomas Pilkerton. Paperwork includes a letter of provenance on Hartzler letterhead stating he purchased the musket in 1965 from Carroll Brice of Annapolis, who had obtained it from the Pilkerton family in the 1940s and placed in on loan to the Flag House Museum in Baltimore. The Pilkerton family confirmed to Brice that the initials “T.P.” and “6 M.M.” referred to their ancestor Thomas Pilkerton, who enlisted on August 19, 1814 in McDonald’s 6th Maryland Militia, fought in the North Point phase of the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, and was discharged on November 18, 1814. This is likely the same man listed in “The Citizen Soldiers at North Point and Fort McHenry” as Thomas Pilkington in Captain Sheppard’s company. Maryland Militia marked muskets are scarce. Finding one with a personal identification, let alone carried by a soldier with active service, is quite rare. The musket is accompanied by an original 6th Maryland Militia payroll listing Pilkerton, as well as several additional photocopied militia documents and a socket bayonet marked "K" on the blade. CONDITION: Very good overall. Iron components exhibit a pleasing chocolate patina with some areas of pitting. Lock remains in its original flint configuration with markings somewhat faint. Stock has some expected wear and cleaning, leaving brands somewhat faint, and a splice under the middle band. This musket is featured on pgs. 26 and 31 of his "Arms Makers of Maryland". BAS
Caliber/Bore
.69 Smoothbore
Paperwork
Provenance, Information