Page 145 - 88-BOOK3

LOT 3200
Rare Documented
Joseph Henry U.S. Contract Flintlock Pistol Pictured in Flayderman’s Guide - NSN, 56 cal., 10 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This exact pistol is pictured in
all editions of “Flayderman’s Guide
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK FLAYDERMAN'S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIREARMS, 9TH EDITION
”,
making it a desirable reference piece for the discerning collector. 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/PHILADA” on top of the breech next to a sunken oval “eagle head/P” proof. 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 a VI” assembly mark on the top edge. “D” stamped on the left flat of the stock, an “X” assembly mark on the sideplate, and an “M” stamped on the left of the pommel cap. CONDITION: Very good, with some scattered patches of dark colored moderate pitting, mostly distinct markings, and attractive aged patina on the brass. Stock is also very good as re-oiled, with some scattered light scratches, some light chips around some of the edges, a few cracks, and a defined stamping on the left flat. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Larry Cooley Collection; Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 3201
Scarce U.S. Surcharge Marked Pre-Revolutionary War French Model 1733 Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 69 cal., 12 1/4 inch part octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This was originally a French Model 1733 pistol that was later period modified with a double banded barrel band in place of the original band and front ramrod ferrule. The smoothbore barrel has some faint proof/inspection type markings on the left at the breech and a “US” surcharge type mark on top at the breech along with what appears to be fainter “U” marking just behind it. The lock has “crown/S-E” (St. Etienne) over what appears to read “IHZENAS/FRECONET” at the center and “US” at the tail. The furniture is all brass. “US” is also stamped into the stock on the lower left next to the trigger guard finial. Per Rex Kessler in his article “United States Surcharges: Continental Ownership of Arms and Accoutrements” from the American Society of Arms Collectors Bulletin 87, “Surcharged muskets with a stamped loopy 3/8” (36 point) “US” on locks or barrels, are weapons which were used and/or repaired during the Revolution. Smaller US stamps should be considered post- Revolutionary War marks. Stamps or brands which are larger may be field armorers marks or Federal arsenal marks.” The stamps on the lock and barrel of this pistol measure approximately .36 inches while the stock marking is larger at .60 inches. Ramrod and mainspring absent. CONDITION: Fair. The lock and barrel display dark brown patina and moderate oxidation/pitting. The brass furniture has dark aged patina. The trigger guard tang is cracked at the rear of the guard. The “US” markings are mostly distinct. The stock is also fair and has a crack through the wrist stabilized with a screw, some small chips and slivers absent at the edges, a few small holes, and fairly distinct molding/carving. Mechanically does not function. The cock moves freely. It is difficult to find examples of pre-Revolutionary War pistols with “US” surcharge markings. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 3202
Fine U.S. Asa Waters Contract Model 1836 Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 54 cal., 8 1/2 inch round bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is a fine example of a U.S. contract Model 1836 pistol that was manufactured by Asa H. Waters of Milbury, Massachusetts, in 1838. The Model 1836 was the last and arguably finest of the flintlock U.S. martial pistols. It was the primary handgun issued to the U.S. Dragoons and Mounted Rifles during the Mexican-American War and continued to be used into the Civil War after being converted for percussion caps. This example appears to have seen little, if any, use at all and is still in its original flintlock configuration. It has a rounded blade front sight, a dished oval rear sight on the barrel tang, a swivel mounted ramrod, a detachable brass flash pan, “US./JH/P” marked on the breech of the barrel, an eagle head above “A. WATERS/MILBURY. MS./1844” on the center of the lock, single letter inspection marks on various components, matching “2” small assembly marks visible on the inside components of the lock including the brass flash pan indicating this is still in its original flintlock configuration, and crisp oval script “JH” and “WAT” (William A. Thornton) inspection cartouches stamped on the left stock flat. CONDITION: Fine with bright surfaces on the barrel and fittings with a few scattered occasional small patches of light pitting. The casehardened lock exhibits smooth gray patina with crisp markings, some flash pitting on the hammer, and the brass flash pan retains a pleasing original golden aged patina. Stock is very fine with defined edges, scattered dents and scratches, a minor crack behind the tail of the lock, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This is a solid representative example of an Asa Waters contract U.S. Model 1836 flintlock pistol and would make a fine addition to any U.S. martial collection!
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000 143
a