This impressive American Market Gun was manufactured in the early 19th century by James Haslett's shop in Baltimore to hunt waterfowl. The bore measures approximately 9 bore at the muzzle. Haslett immigrated from Ireland in 1798 and was initially the superintendent of Robert McCormick's gun shop in Philadelphia where he oversaw production of U.S. contract muskets. He moved to Baltimore in 1803 and established his gun shop at 28 Water Street in Baltimore by 1805, where he produced high quality arms and also imported quality pieces from Europe. He eventually took his son into the firm and was operating as James Haslett & Son by the publication of the 1829 Baltimore directory. He was considered to be among the finest gunmakers in our young country. The long barrel is octagon to round and has a silver blade front sight, banded transition point followed by floral engraving, "-->BALTIMORE<--" marked on top, a gold vent liner, dual gold bands at the breech end, and an eagle head style proof on the upper left. The standing breech is dished and has floral engraving. The lock is marked "HASLETT/--> <--/BALTIMORE" and has a frizzen spring roller and light engraving. The trigger guard features a stylized pineapple finial, a bird scene on the bow, and a burst pattern towards the rear. The wrist and wedge escutcheons are silver, and a silver scroll inlay is also on the right side of the butt. The highly figured stock has a checkered wrist, cheekpiece, and an inventory number (museum?) in white ahead of the lock (first number appears to be "6" followed by "82").

Very good with dark brown blend of patina on the steel, attractively aged patina on the silver, replaced top jaw and hammer screw, professionally replaced inlay on the right side of the butt, stock is fine with some repairs, faint cracks, mostly crisp checkering, and attractive figure. Mechanically fine. Haslett guns are highly sought after by American collectors thanks to the high quality of the arms sold through his shop in Baltimore.