Huge Crowd Proves Americans Still Love Their Antique Weapons

Originally published May 2018 · pp. 1–6

Representatives from the NRA and Fort Ligonier, including “General George Washington,” with the Washington-Lafayette Pistols.

(Becky Ashway) The 64th anniversary of the Maryland Arms Collectors Association Show was held at the State Fairgrounds at Timonium, Md., on March 17 & 18, 2018. This gun show, more commonly known as “The Original Baltimore Antique Arms Show” or just “The Baltimore Show,” is acknowledged by most people as the premier east coast antique gun show, and by many as the best antique gun show in the world. Whichever way you view it, you would have to admit that it is one of the best shows for dealers, collectors, the general public, and anyone interested in gun collecting or military history. It is a true labor of love for the collectors who make up the Show Committee. The show opened to the usual rush of customers on Saturday and quickly filled the Cow Palace. Those who attended were treated to almost 1,000 sales and display tables of antique and historic arms and arms-related items that showed some of the best this country has to offer—not the least of which was the tremendous expertise found on both sides of the tables. Exhibitors came from 44 states and 10 foreign countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Israel, Switzerland, Belgium, and Germany. As is usual with the show, old friends were revisited, new friends were made, and treasures found new homes. In addition to the excitement of seeing wonderful displays and reuniting with old friends, the NRA Gun Collectors Committee chose The Original Baltimore Antique

Arms show to present their prestigious National Treasure Gold Medal Award. This was the first awarding of the National Treasure Award in two decades. The award is reserved for arms that meet stringent historical and grading criteria, including condition, rarity, artistry, authenticity, and more. Historical significance is heavily weighted by the prominence of past owners of the firearm and their collective positive contribution to the American experience. Gold Medal Award #4 was presented for the Washington-Lafayette Pistols on permanent exhibit in the George Washington Gallery at Fort Ligonier. The weekend seemed to fly by and all too soon it was Sunday afternoon and time to announce awards for the show. When displays win awards at the Baltimore Show, you can be assured that they are world class.

Winner of Best Single Weapon – Chris Grazzini’s exhibit “Benjamin Franklin and the Liberatas American Sword.”

Judges Choice Awards went to Paul Loane for “The Essential Tin Cup,” Daniel Pozarek for “Remington Large Frame Revolvers,” Frank Tait for “US Common Rifles 1815–1846,” and Wayne Williams for “Eli Whitney in the Civil War.” Third Place Educational Award went to Stephen Westbrook for “Wingshooters’ Choices 1865– 1915 & the Evolution of the American S & S Shotgun,” Second Place Educational to Lewis Southard for “Flintlock to Percussion,” and First Place Educational to David Hanes for “Fit for a Cadet.” The Best Single Weapon Award was presented to Chris Grazzini for “Benjamin Franklin and the Libertas American Sword.” Best of Show Award was presented to Ken Knoll for “Skates & Co.” display. Also featured were exhibits from the USMC Historical Company, Harpers Ferry National Park, the NRA/National Firearms Museum, USS Constellation, 4th North Carolina Regiment USA, Springfield Arsenal, and The Cody Museum. In the past, the Maryland Arms Collectors Association Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented to Norm Flayderman, George Neumann, George Moller, and Peter Schmidt. Each individual made significant contributions to the arms collecting fraternity through their research and publications. This year the award was presented to Stuart Mowbray. We all look forward to next year’s show which will be held March 16 & 17, 2019, at the Timonium Fairgrounds. See you there at the best antique arms show in the country. (Becky Ashway) 1. (Becky Ashway) “George Washington” accepted the NRA National Treasure Gold Medal Award. (Becky Ashway)

Winner of Best in Show – Ken Knoll’s exhibit “Skates & Co.,” with his Confederate 3.8-inch bronze Skates & Co. rifle, Serial No.

Stephen Westbrook was awarded Third Place Educational Award for his display “Wingshooters’ Choices 1865–1915 & the Evolution of the American S & S Shotgun.”

Washington-Lafayette Pistols from Fort Ligonier won the Gold Medal Award, presented by the NRA, at this year’s Maryland Arms Collectors Association Show. (Becky Ashway)

The Lifetime Achievement Award this year was presented to Stuart Mowbray. He has authored numerous books and articles and has encouraged others to share their knowledge on a far range of collecting topics. Forty years ago, he attended the Baltimore Show as his father’s helper and has returned every year since. Congratulations Stuart!

Fort Ligonier’s Matthew Gault and Erica Nuckles, the Director of History and Collections, hold the Gold Medal Award #4 that was presented for the Washington-Lafayette Pistols, one of which is held by Philip Schreier, Senior Curator NRA Museums.

First Place Educational award was present to David Hanes for “Fit for a Cadet.”