April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/12/2023
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 fit with a Damascus twist, slightly swamped, octagonal barrel with single long sighting flute on top rib, gold front sight, top 3 flats decorated with delicately inlaid golden flowers. Hooked breech with deeply struck poincons reading "HASLETT" and "BALTIMORE". Remnants of American eagle head proofs on underside of barrel, more visible eagle head proof on offset of breech. Bottom of breech with faint Haslet markings. Percussion conversion achieved via drum. Brass tipped ramrod with jag on end, feeding through a ferrule on a half-length rib into a reinforced mouth. Flat banana stepped lock with "HASLETT" poincon deeply struck in center, beveled edges, gilt rays around lock screw. English push-on safety. Lock has evidence of replaced parts commensurate with conversion from flintlock to percussion. Half stock with horn forend with a checkered bag grip. Trigger guard with a stand of arms engraved and a pineapple finial. Accompanied by photocopies of pages from "Maryland Longrifles" by Daniel Hartzler and James Biser Whisker, a copy of an inventory record, and a copy of "James Haslett: Baltimore Gunsmith" by Richard Randall. CONDITION: Very good as converted. Barrel browning has been brought back up, with visible twist and some spots of oxidation throughout; one gold inlay at muzzle is missing. Stock is good, with numerous little handling marks throughout, but free of any significant cracks or chips; barrel key has a minor chip from improper handling. Mechanics need some attention as cock does not always actuate properly, bore is very good. A nice example of a premiere American maker.
Caliber/Bore
.52 Smoothbore
Model
Percussion Dueling Pistol
Paperwork
Photocopies of book pages, provenance