November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
This musket featured in two books. It is shown on pgs. 12-13 of "Gunsmiths of Maryland" by Hartzler & Whisker, and in "Arms Makers of Maryland" by Daniel D. Hartzler. Copies of the musket in these books are included. The musket is of the type attributed to the Maryland Committee of Safety. The musket closely follows the design of a British Pattern 1769 Short Land musket, which is what the regulations called for when ordering these muskets from several makers. The tapered round barrel is stamped with a bellflower or fleur-de-lis on the left side of the breech. This mark is is believed to be the proof mark used during the Revolutionary War by Captain Thomas Ewing and Major Gist for musket barrels made for Maryland troops. The convex lockplate is unmarked and has the signature long and pointed frizzen spring finial. Brass Short Land Pattern style furniture. Wrist escutcheon with signature screw head in center, long associated with Maryland Committee of Safety muskets. The plain walnut stock has relief panels terminating in a point around the lock, sideplate and barrel tang. Complete with an associated iron ramrod. Also included is an associated belt axe head measuring 5 - 3/8" overall with a 4" blade and 3 - 1/4" crescent cutting edge. The hand-forged head is stamped with large "US" in rectangular cartouche on the left side as well as the same fleur-de-lis or bellflower mark found on the barrel of this musket, suggesting an association. CONDITION: Barrel retains a light brown patina with some lighter areas, markings good. Heavy corrosion at muzzle. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and has a strong mechanism, but does not hold on half-cock. Lock retains a light brown patina that matches the barrel. Brass retains a pleasing mustard patina. Stock shows scattered areas of worm damage, heavier around lock and on wrist. Otherwise, some scattered chips and cracks. Notable area of loss at top corner on left side of butt. Ax head retains a dark pitted patina with visible cartouches and some cracks along cutting edge. A very nice group of important Maryland Revolutionary War Era items. DMG
Manufacturer
Thomas Ewing, Attr.
Model
Maryland Committee of Safety Musket