December 16, 17, & 18, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/17/2025
This exact pistol is pictured in the book "The Kentucky Pistol" by Chandler & Whisker on page 52, plate 44. There is a letter from famed historian D.D. Hartzler stating that this militia pistol was made in Hagerstown Maryland by John Gonter between 1789 through 1801. After the burning of Washington by the British during the War of 1812, which was protected by the Maryland militia, the committee was reformed as the Baltimore Committee of Vigilance and Safety as fears grew that Baltimore may be the next casualty. This new group of approximately thirty prominent citizens supported General Samuel Smith of the Maryland militia to fortify the city. Maryland also had a long coastline and was constantly fearful of a British naval attack. During this tense era, the state militia was strengthened with many influential volunteers. Historical battles were fought in defense of Baltimore and the famous bombardment of Fort McHenry (also located in Baltimore ) in 1814 after which the Star Spangled Banner was conceived. This Maryland militia marked weapon was a probable witness to all of these events. This single shot flintlock pistol features a brass barrel, trigger guard, pommel and rod tip. The stock appears to be of burl walnut. The lock is maker stamped but partially illegible. The maker, J. GONTER is cartouche stamped a on top of the barrel as well as the brass left side retaining plate. The Maryland militia large M stamp can be found stamped on left side of barrel breech as well as on the left side of stock. Lot comes with a copy of the aforementioned hard cover book along with letter. CONDITION: Fine. Beautiful stock that does have a tightly repaired hairline at top of wrist. Brass is nicely toned. All legends sans lock are sharp. Mechanically sound. Bore is not rifled and shows some abrasion. A very fine and historic flintlock pistol dating to the birth of the Star Spangled Banner.
Caliber/Bore
.58 Caliber smoothbore
Paperwork
Owners paper work ,book