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LOT 1216
Rare and Exceptional Documented Privateer Variation U.S. Simeon North Model 1811 Flintlock Pistol Formerly of the William M. Locke Collection - NSN, 69 cal., 8 5/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The Model 1811 pistols are among the rarest of all U.S. martial pistols, with only 606 manufactured c. 1811-1812 before the transition to the Model 1811 Transition and then the Model 1813 pistols which both featured double strap barrel bands instead of pinned barrels. Model 1811 pistols would have seen use in multiple early U.S. conflicts including the War of 1812. Simeon North was one of the key American martial arms manufacturers from the early national period into the early 1840s and one of the key figures in the development of interchangeable parts manufacturing. The lock is marked “S.NORTH/BERLIN/CON” at the tail with an eagle in front of the hammer, without the “U.STATES” marking typically seen on Model 1811 pistols. Another example of one of these Model 1811 pistols without the “U.STATES” marking is pictured on page 33 of the book “U.S. Martial Single Shot Pistols” by Hartzler and Whisker in which it states that these were “Not delivered or inspected, sold to privateers in War of 1812 under letters of marque and reprisal.” This lot is accompanied by a transcription and a scanned copy of an original letter from Simeon North to General Callendar Irvine, dated January 31st, 1815, explaining why he sold rejected contract Model 1811 flintlock pistols to the privateers, in which Simeon North states, “Your letter of the 26th, stating no contract must be permitted to interfere with that of the U States has been duly received. Sir, I have laid my self under no obligation that will interfere with said contract. But in so large an establishment as this there will be some work that will not meet the approbation of the inspector. This work must be disposed of in some other way, and having a quantity of
work of this description on hand, I thought proper to send it to Boston for the purpose of furnishing the privateers of that place which was then fitting out, not thinking that you would consider it a violation
of my engagement with the U States.”The bore appears to be very slightly off center, the likely reason this pistol was not delivered
on U.S. contract. The barrel is marked with just a “V” on top at the breech, and is without the “P/US” typically seen on contract delivered 1811 pistols due to being a privateer variation.
No cartouche is, or ever was, stamped on the left stock flat.
The interior of the lock is marked with an “H,” and various components have a “t” assembly mark. A hickory ramrod is fitted under the barrel and held by a single brass ferrule and the channel in the stock. This pistol was previously part of the noted William Locke collection, as pictured in the book “The William M. Locke Collection” at the bottom of page 234, and is now being offered out of the prominent Greg Lampe collection. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, exhibits attractive armory bright iron surfaces as very lightly cleaned, with a few small/minor spots of pitting, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Brass displays a pleasing golden aged patina. Stock is excellent with attractive grains, a few small minor chips above the tail of the lock, some light handling marks, a few pressure dents, and absolutely crisp edges and fitment. Mechanically excellent. This privateer variation U.S. Simeon North Model 1811 pistol is not only a rarity, but is one of the finest examples of a desirable Model 1811 pistol to ever be offered for sale
by Rock Island Auction Company!
Provenance:
The William Locke Collection;
The Robert Ables Collection;
The Herb Glass Sr. Collection;
The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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