Harper's Ferry U.S. Model 1805 Pistol - Dated 1807

War of 1812

.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.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg