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Collector’s Fact
Only 606 U.S. Simeon North Model 1811 Pistols were originally manufactured with a pin fastened barrel.
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LOT 3084
Very Scarce U.S. Simeon North Model 1811 Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 69 cal., 8 5/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Only an estimated 1,156 Model 1811 pistols were manufactured c. 1811-
1813, and only 606 were originally manufactured with a pin fastened barrel as seen on this very fine example, making this among the rarest of all the U.S. martial pistols. Many
have no doubt been lost over the last two hundred years. The lock is marked with the spread wing
eagle motif over “U.STATES” in front of the cock and “S.NORTH/ BERLIN/CON.” behind it. “P/US” marked on top of the barrel at the breech, and a “P” marked on the top strap. The lock and
its components are marked with “x” assembly marks, and the remaining visible screw heads on the pistol have “I” and “o” assembly marks. “V/HHP” inspection initials marked on the left stock flat. Includes a proper hickory ramrod.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, the barrel and top strap are bright with some light
pitting, the lock displays a smooth gray patina, and the markings on the lock and barrel remain exceptionally sharp. The brass exhibits a golden patina with a few bright areas. The wood is also fine with mostly original raised grain, replacement filled in sections above and below the lock, at the bottom front edge of the left flat and above the left of the pommel, some scattered light handling marks, and crisp inspection initials. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional example of a very scarce Simeon North Model 1811 pistol that would make a fine addition to any U.S. Martial collection!
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
LOT 3085
Rare Documented War of 1812 Virginia Manufactory Second
Model Flintlock Pistol Dated 1814 Featured in “Flayderman’s Guide” - NSN, 62 cal., 10 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock.
These pistols resemble the Harpers Ferry U.S. Model
1805 flintlock pistol and utilized the swivel mounted ramrod design earlier than
any other U.S. martial pistol. An estimated 4,252 were manufactured at the Virginia
Manufactory between 1812-1815 with some variations for the Virginia state militia. This example is the pistol
used in “Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms” (see page 349 of the 9th Edition). Many of these pistols would have been rushed into service during the War of 1812 which saw American troops push into Canada, the British burning of Washington, D.C., and famous battles on the
Great Lakes and Atlantic. The Virginians, including President Madison, were notably supportive of the U.S. declaration of war while many in New England were opposed to the war. These pistols were still in service at the outbreak of the Civil War and are known to have been issued to Confederate cavalry units in the opening months of the war. The smoothbore barrel has no sights or visible markings. The lock is marked “VIRGINIA” at center and “RICHMOND/1814” on the tail. The furniture is all plain brass, and the stock is smooth walnut. The bore measures at approximately .62 caliber at the muzzle, enlarged from its original .54 caliber. “555” is marked on the inside of the trigger guard bow. We have not disassembled this pistol, but the consignor indicated it is also marked “555” on the underside of the barrel. The tail of the left stock flat has a “W” inspection stamp for master armorer George Williamson of the Virginia Manufactory. CONDITION: Good with dark mottled brown patina, moderate oxidation and pitting, aged patina on the brass furniture, and general moderate overall wear. The refinished stock is also good and has some areas of filler, several repaired cracks and chips, and moderate scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Bruce Congdon Collection; Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3086
Exceptional U.S. Robert Johnson Contract Model 1836 Flintlock Pistol with Ammunition Pouch - NSN, 54 cal., 8 1/2 inch round
bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is an exceptional example of a U.S. contract Model 1836 pistol that
was manufactured by Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut, in 1842. The Model 1836 was the
st 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, “US./R. JOHNSON/MIDDN CONN/1842” on the
center of the lock, single letter inspection marks on various components, matching small assembly marks 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 “JCB” (Joseph C. Bragg) and “WAT” (William A. Thornton) cartouches stamped on the left stock flat. Includes period black leather ammunition pouch with star markings. CONDITION: Excellent, retains its correct “National Armory Bright” polished iron surfaces with zero evidence of flash pitting on the barrel or lock, a few scattered occasional small patches of light pitting, 90% original case colors on the lock and upper tang with some scattered light surface freckling, strong amounts of original nitre blue finish remain on the frizzen spring and some of the screws, and sharp markings and clear-cut edges in the metal overall. The brass flash pan retains a pleasing original golden aged patina. Stock is also excellent with attractive original raised and feathered grains, rich oil finish, some scattered light handling marks and dents, very defined edges and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included ammunition pouch is fine with some light aging underneath a protective coat of wax, with one metal divider unattached on the inside. This exceptional example of a Robert Johnson Model 1836 flintlock pistol would be difficult to improve upon and would make a fine addition to any U.S. martial collection! Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500