1807 Vintage U.S. Model 1805 Harpers Ferry Flintlock Pistol in .54 Caliber ** All-Original Flintlock! ** SOLD
Guns International #: 101723511 Seller's Inventory #: BP21-190
Category: Military Pistols - US - Antique Pistols - Flintlock

Seller's Information
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Verified Seller
Seller: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Company: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Member Since: 4/27/15
State: Kentucky
Zip: 40503
Country: United States
Phone: (859) 276-1419
Fax: (859) 278-0838
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 174
Total Number of Listings: 14957
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.

Payment Types Accepted: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check



Description:
This is an amazing all-original U.S. Model 1805 .54 caliber flintlock pistol made by Harpers Ferry Arsenal in Virginia in 1807.  This pistol has never been converted to percussion and retains all of it's original flintlock parts.  The Model 1805 pistol is extremely important as it was the first U.S. Military handgun manufactured by a national armory.  Manufactured by Harpers Ferry from 1805 until 1808, the first year of full-production was really 1806 as there were only 8 "pattern" pistols made in 1805.  Total production reached 4,096, however they were serial numbered and issued in pairs so the highest serial number would be 2,048 with each serial number used twice.  The flintlock Model 1805 was chambered for a .54 caliber patched round ball load, and featured a 10 & 1/16" inch smoothbore round barrel with an iron rib below it that held an iron ramrod ferrule, either no sights or a brass blade, a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip, well-made brass stock mountings including a brass pommel with long tapered ears running up either side of the grip, a lockplate with an integrally forged iron flashpan with a fence, and all of the metal parts were finished bright.  The U.S. Model 1805 had an overall length of 16" inches and the lock had both half-cock and full-cock hammer positions.  The standard lockplate markings consist of a spread American eagle and shield over "US" ahead of the hammer, and to the rear of the hammer "Harpers" over "Ferry" over the date of manufacture stamped vertically.  The barrel was marked at the breech with the serial number, an eaglehead cartouche, and a "P" proof.  The stock was marked with the inspector's markings on the left side near the brass sideplate.  As mentioned before, the Model 1805 was designed primarily as a horseman's pistol and was issued in pairs as a "brace" along with a double leather holster that would attach to a saddle.  This put one pistol on either side of the horse with two shots at-the-ready, both within easy reach of the cavalryman.  The Harpers Ferry Model 1805 proved to be an excellent weapon for the time, very well-made, durable, and reasonably accurate for a smoothbore pistol.  The Model 1805 was standard issue to American cavalry in the War of 1812, where it acquitted itself well.  These pistols remained in service for many years afterward, with many being converted to percussion and carried in the American Civil War on the Confederate side.  Today there are VERY few original pistols left of the 4,096 made, likely only several hundred at the very most and many of those have been converted to percussion and re-converted back to flint for collectors.  This makes all-original guns like this one very sought-after and prized by collectors.  This particular pistol is serial number 886 manufactured in 1807.  As you can see from the pictures, it is a very handsome gun with a pleasing uniform patina showing on all of the parts.  All of the steel parts are a gray-brown patina with minimal pitting/staining.  The lockplate is in excellent condition as the markings are crisp and clean, and the lock itself is in perfect working order with both the half-cock and full-cock positions intact.  Both of the lock screws are original and in good condition.  The barrel on this Harpers Ferry has a nice bore with light pitting throughout but no major damage, dents, bulges, or deep pits.  The arsenal markings and serial number on the barrel are fully legible, and the flash hole on the right side is still clear.  The original stock on this pistol is in very good condition overall with no major breaks or cracks, only a couple of small repairs of the wood around the back edge of the lock.  The inspectors cartouches are worn away on the left side, with only traces visible if held in the right light at just the right angle.  All of the original brass fittings on the stock are in great shape, fully intact and free from any major damage.  The brass shows a nice aged patina and only light handling marks consistent with the rest of the pistol.  The ramrod is still in place on this pistol and is in good shape, and the original trigger is in perfect working order.  A wooden wedge has been installed into the hammer instead of a flint so if it is dry-fired it will be a lot less likely to damage the pistol.  If you have been looking for one of these exceptionally rare and very historically important flintlock pistols here is your chance to get the best one we have had in decades! 
As an antique this can be shipped directly to your home, no FFL is needed!         

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .54
Manufacturer: Harpers Ferry
Model: Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol
Serial Number: 886
Condition: Good / Very Good
Manufacture Date: 1807