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LOT 1107
U.S. Springfield Model 1817 Type I Flintlock Pistol with
Unusual Slotted Pommel Cap
for Mounting a Shoulder Stock - NSN, 69 cal., 11 1/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock.
This is a scarce example of a U.S. Model 1817 flintlock pistol manufactured by the Springfield Armory in 1818. The Springfield Armory made a total of 1,000 Model 1817 pistols in 1817-1818. These pistols, the Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines and the Model 1911 semi-automatic pistols were the only handguns manufactured
by Springfield Armory. These pistols have a complicated history. They were originally started in 1807, but, after producing a sample pistol, 400 locks, and 300 barrels, the project was abandoned because the .69 caliber was considered excessive for pistols. However, Colonel Roswell Lee was hired as superintendent of the armory in 1815 and sought permission from the Ordnance Department to complete the
pistols. Note that some sources such as Flayderman’s guide incorrectly list him as Robert Lee. He received permission to complete 1,000 pistols for possible use by the U.S. Navy. The parts on hand from origin of the project were not sufficient, so additional parts were also made and used leading
to at least two categories of these pistols. This pistol has the desirable “Type I” or “Model 1807” features which include: a gooseneck cock, frizzen spring
with spear point finial, projection at rear of the lock plate, and frizzen with curled toe. About 400 of the 1,000 Model 1817 pistols are believed to have the
Type I features using the locks originally made back in 1807. The pistol has a .69 caliber smoothbore barrel secured by a double band and is dated “1818”
on top at the breech and marked with an oval “P” proofmark followed by an eagle head and “V” view mark on the left. The lock plate is marked “SPRING/
FIELD/1818” in three vertical lines behind the cock and stamped with the Springfield eagle and shield motif over “U.S.” at the center. The inside of the lock
is stamped “B.”“EA” is stamped on the trigger plate ahead of the trigger. The left side of the stock is stamped on the flat with two oval inspection marks.
The pommel cap has an unusual keyed slot for mounting a shoulder stock and an area of the stock under the cap was drilled out. This pistol may have
been a one of a kind factory prototype for experimenting with a shoulder stocked pistol prior to the adoption of the U.S. Model 1855 Pistol-Carbines also
manufactured at Springfield. All 1,000 pistols from this contract were still at Springfield in 1850, so one of these pistols would have been a good starting
point for experimenting with detachable stocks. There is a small “9” or “6” marked by the slot on the pommel cap similar to the stock numbers stamped on
the pistol-carbines.
CONDITION: Fine, as professionally reconverted to flintlock configuration, with most of the metal polished and displaying a light gray patina, flaws in the
metal visible above the vent and on the lock plate, mild pitting around the vent and on the back strap, darker patina in the pan, and crisp markings. The
refinished stock is very good and has some cracks in the toe, fainter hairline cracks at the tail of the lock and breech on the left, and otherwise minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. This is definitely a very interesting and desirable pistol. U.S. Springfield Model 1807/1817 pistols are very hard to find, and this example may be the only kind of its type extant with modifications for a shoulder stock.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 1108
Very Scarce U.S. Simeon North Transitional Model 1811 Flintlock Pistol with Wickham Band - NSN, 69 cal., 8 3/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This pistol is one of only 550 Transitional Model 1811 pistols
reportedly 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 a “P” is marked near the top of the extended barrel tang. The stock has “V/HHP” inspector’s stamp and a star or flower shaped stamp.
CONDITION: Good with mottled silver-gray patina, moderate pitting, light oxidation, and general mild wear. The stock is also good and has some cracks and chips at the edges, distinct markings, and mild dents and scratches. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 1109
U.S. Harper’s Ferry
Model 1805 Flintlock
Pistol Dated 1807 - Serial
no. 262, 54 cal., 10 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The U.S. Model 1805 pistols are
the first of only three muzzleloading pistols manufactured at the U.S. armories during the 19th
century, the others being the Model 1807/1817 flintlock pistols and the Model 1855 percussion
pistol-carbines both manufactured at Springfield Armory. Total production was 4,096 pistols c. 1806-1808. They were made as
matching numbers pairs for mounted use, so this is one of two pistols numbered “262.” It has the number along with “US” and
the proof mark on the left side of the barrel at the breech. The furniture is brass. The lock has “HARPERS/FERRY/1807” vertically
in three lines on the tail and the spread wing eagle and shield motif over “US” at the center. “JS” inspector mark visible on the front
of the lower grip.
CONDITION: Good with gray and brown patina, moderate pitting, aged patina on the brass furniture, and general moderate wear. The stock is also very good and has some cracks and repairs in the forend, some filler, and general minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500 81