Sale 1293
| Cincinnati
| Cincinnati
Lot 1
Estimate$3,000 – $4,000
To request further details about this lot, please email armsarmor@hindmanauctions.com
Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria
Ms. Emma Fulmer
ATF Manager, Senior Coordinator, Arms, Armor & Militaria
.56 caliber. 10.125" barrel. SN: 1078. Bright finish, brass furniture, walnut stock. Single shot smoothbore muzzleloading flintlock pistol with wedge retained round barrel and partial under rib. Lock marked with a large {Spread Winged Eagle}/US forward of the cock and in three arched vertical lines at the tail HARPERS/FERRY/1807. Lock remains in original flint, although the top jaw and screw may be replaced, and likely the forward lock mounting screw. Frizzen with a period refacing. Touchhole drilled out and over large but internal inspection with an endoscope does not reveal any signs of reconversion to flint from percussion. Left breech quadrant marked with a raised {Eagle Head/P} and US both in sunken ovals and with the serial number 1078. Only the weakest traces of a cartouche are visible on the counterpane. No sights. Includes a reproduction wood ramrod.
The Model 1805 was the first US martial pistol to be produced at a national armory and went into production at Harpers Ferry in 1805, with production continuing through 1808. During that time some 4,096 (2,048 pairs) of the pistols were produced with each serial number used twice as the guns were intended to be issued in pairs. Harpers Ferry only produced sample pistols in 1805 and only 300 guns in 1806. In 1807 it is estimated that the arsenal produced 2,580 of the pistols, which was about 63% of the total production. Production in 1808 is estimated at 1,208. While this is the most common date to be encountered on these guns, this is a solid example of an original flint 1805 pistol at an affordable price.
Good. Bore good, partly bright with scattered oxidation and pitting. Metal cleaned to a medium pewter gray color with scattered pitting present. Markings remain clear in metal, barely visible in wood. Brass cleaned to a medium golden color. Lock in original flint and remains functional, although the frizzen spring is cracked and is quite weak as a result. Stock with some wood repair, with the bottom of the lock mortise having been cracked and broken and very skillfully repaired so that most of the work is not detectable from the exterior, but is clearly visible inside the mortise. Wood sanded with some scattered bumps, dings and mars as well.
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The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email armsarmor@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
