...........A few years ago I picked up a very nicely done Flintlock Pistol and have not had much luck finding out anything about the maker. Would guess the maker to be contemporary in the last 50-60 years or so. Think he was from Pennsylvania.

Anyone with any knowledge of him? Sure would be nice to find out more.

Marked on the top barrel flat....... W. Wisler..........in script.

Thanks.

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LEX ET ORDO

I wish I could help. Thats a nice crafted piece. I know a few local makers but none by that name. I'll ask around and let you know.
You might try asking these guys.
http://www.dixonmuzzleloading.com/

Im a blackpowder shooter and member of the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association. You could probably get some information regarding your pistol by contacting them. Each month in our magazine Muzzle Blasts there is usually an article on historical rifles or pistols. They are located at NMLRA, PO Box 67, Friendship, IN 47021, or call (812) 667-5131.
Not to cast any dispersions on your fine looking pistol but judging by what I see, I'd say you have yourself an extremely well made pistol made by a skilled craftsman that in all probability may still be alive. I have a friend that builds a few pistols or rifles a year and his work is museum quality, I am fortunate to own one of his pistols and it looks very much like yours and the only marking on the pistol is his name and the caliber. There is an active gunmakers guild and in Friendship they have a Gunmakers Hall.
There are gunmakers today that are doing some of the most astounding work that the layperson might not have any idea was possible. The original rifles and pistols are photographed with every detail recorded and with the aid of computers every measurement is recorded. Then modern day craftsman are assembling these creations with the latest equipment and skill levels most people can't imagine.
My friend is currently working on an original Leman type rifle that is in bits and pieces and worth quite a bit of money in its present condition. He will lovingly rebuild and restore this rifle to near its original condition, I've seen him start with nothing but the fore-piece and a few spinters from the buttstock and bring it all back by carefully marrying pieces of wood together to the point where you cannot tell where the pieces blend together. Modern barrelmakers don't have to put all the warning label information on their barrels, the barrels are usually assembled so that the barrelmakers name is on the underside of the barrel.
I wish you the best of luck getting some information and as I've mentioned before I shoot these things at least three days a week and compete once a month.

Thanks for the tips guys!

Kinman I didn't think it was older than my lifetime (and that is older everyday), it would indeed be neat if Mr. Wisler was still living and producing Flintlocks.

The poor images can not near do justice to the extremely fine quality of this pistol.

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LEX ET ORDO

If Mr. Wisler is still alive, I'd love to shake his hand. That is some lovely work.

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Oh well, what the hell.