Flintlock pistol that was manufactured in 1776-1777 and stamped with the mark of Captain Thomas Ewing, inspector for the Maryland Council of Safety. The Maryland Council of Safety established a gunlock manufactory in Fredericktown, Maryland, in December 1775. This British Light Dragoon Style Pistol, serial number 434, is nearly identical to pistol number 226, illustrated and described on pages 16-17 of "THE AMERICAN MARTIAL FLINTLOCK" by Samuel Smith and Edwin Bitter. Smith and Bitter state that pistol number 226 is one of the few surviving American made, Revolutionary War, flintlock pistols that have a recognized proofmark that identifies the maker. Like pistol number, 226, this pistol is stamped with the tulip-shaped proofmark of Captain Thomas Ewing on the left side of the barrel. Appointed by the Council of Safety, Captain Ewing was responsible for inspecting weapons that were intended both for the state's own militia, as well as the Continental Army, and due to confusion by the Continental officer, Captain Tower, the tulip stamp would be retired before the end of 1776. In addition to Ewing's inspection mark, the underside of the barrel bears the serial number "434" and the marking of "JGM/ eagle" inside a shield, denoting that before the arm left the manufactory it was inspected by James Johnson, co-founder of the manufactory and Superintendent of the Pistol Division. Currently available research indicates that serial numbers 226 and 434 are the only pistols manufactured by the Maryland Council of Safety that are known to exist today. The pistol has a 9-inch, .64 caliber, pin-fastened, iron, British style barrel with a series of rings at the breech. The lock plate is flat with beveled edges and terminates in a point. The lock is not marked and has a detachable, faceted, iron pan and gooseneck hammer with beveled edges. The iron buttcap and flat iron side plate resemble those on the British Light Dragoon pistol. The European style iron trigger guard has an asymmetrical finial at either end. The pistol has a wooden ramrod with flared head and iron finial with a worm on the opposite end. The ramrod is secured by an iron pipe and tail pipe. The stock is light-colored walnut with a pronounced, carved 'beavertail' around the barrel tang.

Fine. The pistol is in exceptional condition for an American Revolutionary War pistol. The metal surfaces have aged to a silver-gray patina. The barrel, lock and iron furniture are smooth and with only limited and very minor pitting. There is only very limited flash pitting around the flash hole and adjacent areas of the lock and hammer. Captain Thomas Ewing's inspection mark on the left side of the barrel remains deep and crisp, and Superintendent Johnson's stamp is small but clear on the underside. Although the stock has been lightly cleaned it remains in very good condition and is free from cracks or repairs. The edges of the side plate and tang beavertail are sharp. The serial number on the left stock flat is crisp. Wear is limited to some scattered and very minor handling and storage marks. This is a very rare example of a martially inspected Maryland Council of Safety flintlock pistol from the Revolutionary War. This pistol would be a centerpiece in the most advanced U.S. martial arms collection with it being one of only two known to exist! A priceless piece of United States of America History!