Made by Abraham Schweitzer of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, c. 1795-1798. Pennsylvania apparently contracted for a small number (the exact number is unknown-possibly 80) of brass barreled pistols around 1798; this is one of the Pennsylvania contract pistols. The pistol has a part round/part octagon cannon type barrel, wedge-fastened walnut stock with birds' head grip, brass buttcap and two iron ramrod pipes. The stock has a tiger stripe finish. The flat bevel-edged lock plate is stepped at the rear and terminates in a point. The lock has a fenced iron pan. "SCHWEITZER" is lightly engraved on the lock plate in script letters in front of the cock. The iron trigger guard has a simple acorn shaped finial. The top of the barrel is engraved with the maker's name "O. SIMPSON". The barrel left flat is stamped with the sunken "Liberty Cap/P" Pennsylvania proofmark used until 1798 above a smaller sunken "PG" proofmark. The "PG" proofmark was used by Peter Getz of Lancaster who inspected both U.S. and Pennsylvania contract arms. The Schweitzer pistol is described in detail on pages 207-208 of "UNITED STATES MARTIAL FLINTLOCKS" by Robert M. Reilly. Reilly states "The historical significance of this pistol cannot be overstated". He notes that the 1798 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania proofmark on the barrel puts the Schweitzer Cannon Barrel Pistols in the same time frame as the North & Cheney contract pistols and further states that the use of a barrel on a American martial arm is "Completely unique". This is an extremely rare and historically significant contract martial pistol.

Fine overall. The brass cannon barrel has crisp edges and moldings are sharp and the marker's name and proofmarks are very crisp. Wear is limited to a few very minor scratches. The lock has a smooth gray brown patina with minimal flash pitting. The maker's name is light but legible. The iron trigger guard and ramrod pipes and the brass, bird's head butt cap are very good. The lock is in original flintlock configuration with two replaced flash pan screws as well as the hammer screw. The stock is fair overall with moderate handling wear. The tiger stripe finish has some wear on contact points and there are a number of shallow dents and scratches on the left flat. The ramrod is missing. This is an extremely rare U.S. Contract martial flintlock that may rival the North & Cheney flintlock pistol in historical significance and rarity.