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LOT 268 Rare and Fine Joseph Henry U.S. Contract Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 54 cal., 10 1/4 inch round bbl., brown finish, walnut stock. John Joseph Henry (1786-1836), often listed as just Joseph Henry, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, manufactured a limited number of flintlock military pistols under government contracts from 1807 and 1808. Henry was contracted to manufacture a total of 750 pairs in that period; however, the total number of pistols actually completed is not known, and many government contractors failed to complete their orders. A “Gun Report” article indicated he delivered 1,468 pistols and purchased 724 of them back. The barrel has a brass blade front sight and is marked “J.HENRY PHILA” on top with a sunken oval “eagle head/P” proof at the left of the breech, the lock has a pronounced teat at the tail, an integral rounded flash pan with high fence, a reinforced ring-neck hammer and is marked “US” at the center and “J. HENRY/PHILA” at the tail with “IG” on the inside, and the left stock flat has an encircled “V/D.P” (Daniel Pettibone) inspection stamp. CONDITION: Fine, exhibiting a mix of original brown finish and brown patina with a few patches of surface oxidation, some light flash pitting, and defined markings in the metal. The stock is also fine with some light handling marks, mostly defined edges, an absent chipped section to the left edge of the barrel channel, and a visible inspection stamp. Mechanically very good. Provenance: The Cranford Dalby Collection. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,000
LOT 269
Desirable U.S. Harper’s Ferry Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol Dated 1808 - Serial no. 1674, 54 cal., 10 1/8 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is a solid representative example of the historic U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1805 flintlock pistol. The Model 1805 was the first martial pistol manufactured by a U.S. armory and only the second official U.S. Martial pistol model. Only a total of around 4,096 were manufactured c. 1806- 1808, and this pistol is one of an estimated 1,208 manufactured in 1808. With its half-stock, under barrel rib, and brass furniture, including the band on the forend, it has a very distinctive appearance and a lot of similarities with the rare Model 1803 rifles also manufactured at Harpers Ferry. It has a smoothbore barrel with “eagle head/P”, “US,” and “1674” marked on the upper left at the breech, spread wing eagle over “US” at the center of the lock, “HARPERS/FERRY/1808” on the tail of the lock and “HKWV” marked on the inside of the lock. Assembly number “X” marked underneath the barrel and underneath the sideplate. Hickory ramrod with swelled brass tip. Period added front and rear sights mounted on top of the barrel. CONDITION: Good as reconverted to flintlock configuration, with traces of an old applied brown finish and gray patina on the barrel, scattered light to mild pitting, refinished case coloring and artificial aging on the lock with a few replacement components, generally defined markings, and bright patina on the brass. The refinished stock is also good, with various cracks, replacement sections, and scratches. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Cranford Dalby Collection. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 270
Exceptional Robert Johnson U.S. Contract Model 1836 Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 54 cal., 8 1/2 inch round bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This exceptional Model 1836 flintlock pistol was manufactured by Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut, in 1842 and has the standard markings and features, although it appears to have seen little, if any, use at all. Many saw hard use during the Mexican- American War and Civil War in the holsters of the U.S. cavalry. The Model 1836 is considered the finest of all U.S. martial flintlock pistols, and many were converted to percussion making original examples like this particularly desirable, especially in this high state of condition. “US./NWP/P” marked on the breech of the bright barrel, “US./R.JOHNSON/MIDDn CONN/1841” marked on the casehardened lock, and two oval script inspection cartouches “JH” and “W.A.T” (William A. Thornton) crisply stamped on the left stock flat. “13” mating mark stamps visible on numerous screws and small components on the outside and inside of the lock including the original hammer and flash pan. CONDITION: Very fine, the barrel and fittings exhibit attractive armory bright surfaces, the casehardened surfaces have turned mostly to a smooth brown and gray patina, some scattered areas of light to mild surface freckling, the brass flash pan and front sight exhibit an attractive untouched lightly aged golden patina, with sharp untouched markings and edges in the metal overall. The stock is excellent, with absolutely distinct edges, a few light handling marks, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional Model 1836 pistol would make a fine addition to any U.S. martial collection! Provenance: The Cranford Dalby Collection. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 271
Very Scarce U.S. Springfield Model 1817 Flintlock Pistol Dated 1818 - NSN, 69 cal., 10 3/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Only a total of 1,000 Model 1817 pistols are believed to have been manufactured, essentially to use up parts on hand including components originally meant for 1803 rifles and the abandoned “Model 1807” pistols begun but not finished around 1807-1808 due to .69 caliber being deemed excessive for pistols. They were built under Robert E. Lee, then a colonel and the superintendent of the armory. All 1,000 were never put to use and were still part of the armory inventory in 1850. The lock has a teat-like projection at the tail, curled frizzen toe, diamond shaped frizzen spring finial, gooseneck cock and is marked with the eagle and shield motif over “US” at center, and “SPRING/FIELD/1818 on the tail. The front strap of the barrel band has a brass blade front sight. The breech end of the barrel is marked with “P/eagle head/V” proofs and partly visible “1818” date. “EA” marked on the trigger plate. Two oval script inspection cartouches stamped on the left stock flat. “RC” stamped on the lower left of the grip near the pommel. CONDITION: Good as reconverted to flintlock configuration, with scattered moderate to mild pitting and general light wear overall. Stock is also good as light sanded and re-oiled with some scattered light dings and scratches, a few small chips, a replacement section to the left of the upper tang behind the breech, a crack ahead of the rear lock screw, and partially visible cartouches. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Cranford Dalby Collection.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250 257
1,000 U.S. Springfield Model 1817 pistols were produced.
Approximately 4,096 U.S. Harper's Ferry Model 1805 pistols were produced, with about 1,208 manufactured in 1808.