Lester Smith Pistol

Lester Smith Pistol

Very rare signed flintlock pistol by Lester Smith. Smith made this very fine pistol while working with Hacker Martin in Jonesboro, TN. Excellent engraved silver and brass mounts with silver pierced side plate. Wonderful silver inlays that are wonderfully engraved. Visit BarlowAntiques.com for more information. 8 ½” barrel – 14” overall – probably 42 cal.

Lester Smith lived in Gray Station Tennessee , not to far from Jonesboro, TN, the home of Hacker Martin, Gunsmith. Lester learned his trade primarily under Hacker in the late 40s to early 50s. Lester bult Federal style rifles and pistols with piercings using brass and silver in a very elaborate fashion.
As noted in the well-known “Foxfire 5” book, Lester Smith (1920-1970) is said to have been Hacker Martin’s favorite apprentice and “could inlay metal to wood as perfect as any man alive. He was a master engraver, and his work in his late years can be found in some of the best collections of the country.” Smith was one of the best gunmakers of the “Johnson City School”.