Good Weather Brought Big Crowds to Baltimore

Originally published May 2019 · pp. 1–6

Best Weapon Award went to Ken Knoll (right) for his Macon Arsenal 10-pounder Parrott rifle, Serial No. 8. Standing to his right is his son Bradley.

TIMONIUM, Md.—The 65th anniversary of the Maryland Arms Collectors Association Show was held at the State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Md., on March 16 & 17, 2019. 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 antique gun show on the American east coast and by many as the best antique gun show in the world. The Baltimore Show attracts thousands of serious collectors from across the globe. Whichever way you view it, you would have to admit that once again it was a great show 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. Over the years Maryland Arms Collectors Association has expended great effort and expense to transform a building designed to exhibit cows into an attractive and accommodating space to welcome exhibitors and visiting crowds. Those who attended were treated to over 900 sales and display tables of antique and historic arms and arms-related items. One of the major attractions was the “Best of Show” display, “A Withering Hail of Iron – Grape and Canister in the Civil War.” This display offered a look at the various types of cannon shot used by Union and Confederate forces during the War Between the States. It was fascinating to learn the difference between the canister and grape shot in both size and utilization. Our “Best Single Weapon” highlighted a 10-pounder Parrott, Serial No. 8, the only known surviving 10-pounder Parrott rifle made by Macon Arsenal. 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 and new friends were made and treasures found new homes. 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. Judges Choice Awards went to Robert Jaffe for “Fayetteville Rifle,” Douglas Porter for “Remington Nylon .22 Rifles,” Bill Vance for “Pennsylvania and Maryland Long Rifles and ART,” and Paul D. Johnson for

Chris Grazzini’s display “Sword of Major John M. Kane” who commanded the Hibernian Greens during the War of 1812.

Identified Sharps Issued to 1st Connecticut.” Third Place Educational Award went to Stephen Wesbrook for “Wing Shooters’ Choices, 1865–1915;” Second Place Educational to Lewis Southard for “U.S. Martial Pistols and Accoutrements,” and First Place Educational to Dan Toomey for “A Marylander in Mexico.” The Best Single Weapon Award was presented to Ken Knoll for “Macon 10-Pounder.” The Best of Show went to David Gotter for “A Withering Hail of Iron – Grape and Canister in the Civil War.” 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. We all look forward to next year’s show which will be held the weekend of March 21 & 22, 2020 at the Timonium Fairgrounds. See you there at the best antique arms show in the country.

Jeffery Sipling’s display “Haviland and Gunn.”

Next year’s show which will be held the weekend of March 21 & 22, 2020 at the Timonium Fairgrounds. Mason Ferry’s display “Remember when toys made noise?” showcased toy cannon that are no longer manufactured.

This impressive display weighs almost 1,500 pounds with 80 stands of grape, canister, and shot.

Denny Pizzini’s cannon display with the only known surviving Confederate 9-pounder smoothbore cannon in the background.

David Gotter stands in front of his Best of Show display, “A Withering Hail of Iron – Grape and Canister in the Civil War.”

Lewis Southard receiving 2nd Place Education Award.

Author Daniel D. Hartzler’s display “Carving.”

Maryland Antique Arms Collectors Association, Inc. 2019 Award Winners

Remington Society of America’s display of firearms.

Ken Knoll receiving Single Weapon.

Stephen Wesbrook’s display of doubleguns.

Best

Good Weather Brought Big Crowds to Baltimore — photograph 9 from the original article

Judges Choice Award went to Robert Jaffe for “Fayetteville Rifle.”

Ken Knoll’s Macon Arsenal 10-pounder Parrott rifle, serial no. 8, won Best Weapon.

Judges Choice Award went to Bill Vance for “Pennsylvania and Maryland Long Rifles and ART.” Judges Choice Award went to Douglas Porter for “Remington Nylon .22 Rifles.”

Maryland Arms Collectors Association, Inc. President Dave Booz presenting David Gotter the Best of Show trophy.

Judges Choice Award went to Paul D. Johnson for “Identified Sharps Issued to 1st Connecticut.”

Dick Berglund receiving his 50 year pin from President Dave Booz.