Louis Smith Maslin Warranted Flintlock Pistol .46 Cal 8” Barrel Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,800.00
LSB#: LSB250902PR012
Make: American (Barrel Signed “Louis Smith”; Lock by Maslin)
Model: Flintlock Pistol
Serial Number: None
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1820–1850 (Antique)
Caliber: .46 Caliber
Action Type: Flintlock Single-Shot Pistol
Barrel Length: 8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The pistol is stocked in a richly figured curly maple stock with attractive tiger-stripe pattern throughout. The stock is fitted with brass and German silver inlays, including an engraved sideplate, escutcheons, buttcap, and decorative borders around the grip scroll. The stock shows only light handling marks consistent with age and careful storage, with no cracks or structural repairs noted. The ramrod is present beneath the barrel. The stock rates in Fine overall condition for an antique flintlock pistol.
Type of Finish: Bright steel, brass furniture
Finish Originality: Appears Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: The barrel shows smooth age patina with scattered freckles of oxidation. The top flat is beautifully engraved “Louis Smith” in script. The lockplate is engraved “MASLIN WARRANTED,” indicating manufacture by Maslin & Co., a well-known 19th-century lock maker. The lock engraving, frizzen, and cock show crisp edges and minimal wear. Brass furniture remains smooth with attractive golden patina. Screw heads show minor tool marks but remain serviceable. In this writer’s opinion, this pistol rates in Fine condition for a hand-made antebellum flintlock.
Mechanics: The lock holds at half and full cock. The frizzen opens and closes properly, and the cock falls when the trigger is pulled. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This American flintlock pistol reflects the craftsmanship of the early 19th century, combining a lock from the well-regarded Maslin firm with a locally made barrel signed “Louis Smith.” Such pistols were common in the period between 1820 and 1850, when independent gunsmiths assembled high-quality personal arms using imported or American-made locks and then finishing them with hand-fitted barrels, stocked in fine curly maple, and adorned with brass and German silver furniture. The engraved Maslin lockplate and flowing script signature on the barrel speak to a period when firearms blended artistry and function in equal measure.
The pistol’s graceful scroll grip, decorative inlays, and vivid tiger-stripe maple stock evoke the refined style associated with Pennsylvania and mid-Atlantic gunsmithing traditions. Its condition—well-preserved wood, crisp engraving, and strong mechanical function—suggests it was carefully prized rather than heavily carried. Today, it stands as a representative example of early American pistol making, embodying the handmade character and visual elegance of the flintlock’s final era before percussion ignition and factory production took hold. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
