Guns International #: 102747340
Seller's Inventory #: 233547

Category - Antique Pistols - Flintlock - Antique Pistols - 1500-1850

Category
Antique Pistols - Flintlock
Antique Pistols - 1500-1850

U.S. ARMY & NAVY Antique SIMEON NORTH U.S. M1819 .54 FLINTLOCK Pistol Early American Sidearm Inspect by ROBERT JOHNSON

Description:
U.S. ARMY & NAVY Antique SIMEON NORTH U.S. M1819 .54 FLINTLOCK Pistol

Early American Sidearm Inspect by ROBERT JOHNSON

Here we present an antique U.S. Model 1819 Simeon North Flintlock Martial Pistol, made circa 1822 in Middletown, Connecticut. Though this pistol’s lock is unmarked, there is no doubt this .54 caliber smoothbore flintlock Model 1819 pistol was made by Simeon North for a U.S. army contract. The U.S. Ordnance Department showed Simeon North a sample pair of pistols from the Harpers Ferry Armory on June 12, 1819. North then produced a pistol similar to that of Harpers Ferry with a few alterations.

On July 21, 1819 North received a contract to produce 10,000 pairs of the new Model 1819 Pistol with all deliveries to be completed by the end of 1824. The following year in 1820 deliveries began with 2,000 guns being completed, inspected and delivered during that year. An additional 7,000 were delivered in 1821, 8,000 in 1822 and 3,000 in 1823. In September 1823 an additional 400 guns were ordered and these pistols were delivered before the end of that year as well. In all, 20,400 of the guns were delivered between 1820 and the end of 1823. The earliest deliveries had locks that were not dated. All subsequent deliveries have locks dated 1821 or 1822, with none known dated 1823. This indicates that North completed all of the locks that he needed for the initial 20,000 gun contract, as well as at least 400 spare locks, by the end of 1822. Interestingly, the Ordnance Department hired rival Middletown, Connecticut gunmakers Robert and John D. Johnson to prove North’s barrels, as indicated by this example having the “RJ” proof mark on the barrel. As a result, the majority of U.S. M1819 pistol barrels are marked with the initial “RJ” or “JDJ”, indicating they were inspected and passed by either Robert or John D. Johnson.

Many were updated to the much more reliable percussion system in the 1830s. The service life was quite long for this pistol. The famous scout and Indian fighter Kit Carson fought with one of these, still in its original flintlock form, during the Mexican-American War from 1846-48. Even though percussion arms, including pistols, had been adopted by the U.S. in the 30s, it was not unusual for flintlocks to still be in use. Primary conflicts that would have involved this piece during its service life were the Seminole Wars, the Pawnee Expedition, the Mexican-American War and even the American Civil War.

The overall condition is good. Dark patina throughout. The action is strong. Original flintlock. The cock is an old replacement. The bore is smooth and dim. The stock has been repaired around the circumference at the back of the lock, around the trigger guard and on the left stock flat. A good cartouche remains on the left stock flat in addition to the other inspection markings throughout.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 10 inches.

Caliber: .54 Smoothbore

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$1700

#233547
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes