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LOT 3193
Very Scarce U.S. Simeon North Transitional Model 1811 Flintlock Pistol with Wickham Band - NSN,
69 cal., 8 1/2 inch round bbl., brown finish, walnut stock. This pistol is one of
only approximately 550 Transitional Model 1811 pistols
manufactured circa 1812-1813. They mark the transition from pin fastened barrels to the
use of barrel bands to secure barrels. Specifically, they use the double strap “Wickham” barrel band also used on the
Model 1813, 1816, and 1817 pistols. The lock has the spread wing eagle motif over “U.STATES” in front of the cock and
“S.NORTH/BERLIN/CON” behind it. “P/US” is marked at the breech on the upper left, and the top has “S.N.Y.” indicating it
was in the State of New York’s militia arsenals. A “P” is marked near the top of the extended barrel tang. The stock has “V/HHP” inspector’s stamp. Includes documents and notes about the provenance indicating it was purchased by Dr. Joseph A. Murphy from James M. Wertenberger at the 2006 Baltimore show. Wertenberger had purchased it in 1984 and considered it “one of the finest, if not the best known example.”
CONDITION: Very good with dark brown blend of applied finish and patina on the barrel and band, mottled gray and brown patina on the balance of the iron, some mild oxidation/pitting, deep aged patina on the brass, and mild overall wear. The stock is fine and has dark oiled finish, some minor chips and flakes absent, a few minor cracks, and distinct inspector mark. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The James M. Wertenberger Collection; The Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 3194
Scarce U.S. Model 1808 Navy Flintlock
Pistol - NSN, 64 cal., 10 1/8 inch round bbl.,
brown finish, walnut stock. The U.S. Navy contracted for the manufacture of 3,000 of these
pistols in 1808 (2,000 pistols) and 1810 (1,000 pistols). These are sizable numbers considering in 1812 the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps only totaled around 5,000 sailors and 1,000 Marines. The final second contract pistols were not delivered until May 1816. The Model 1808 was Simeon North’s second contract model as “the first official pistol maker of the U.S.” and one of only two models manufactured with pin-fastened stocks. These pistols saw significant use during the War of 1812 as well as the Second Barbary War (1815). Given that many were no doubt lost or destroyed
in service and over the following two centuries, any surviving example is rare and valuable. This example is correctly manufactured without
sights, has brass mountings, a full pin fastened walnut stock, brass flash pan with fence, iron belt hook attached to left side of the stock and an iron back strap that extends from tang to the brass buttcap. The lock plate is marked with the spread eagle motif above
“U. STATES” ahead of the cock. Note that this pistol does not have the standard Simeon North marking vertically behind the cock
which is a correct variation (see figure 598 on page 178 of “United States Martial Flintlocks” by Reilly). The barrel is correctly
without proofs. Complete with a wooden ramrod with swelled tip.
CONDITION: Fine. The pistol retains some streaks of brown finish with some scattered minor spotting. The brass has a
mixed aged patina. The action has a smooth gray patina. The refinished stock is cracked in the wrist and has a spliced
repair near the muzzle; otherwise, good with some minor handling marks. A protective coat of varnish has been applied
over all surfaces many years ago and has now yellowed with age. Appears to be original flintlock configuration.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
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