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Exceptional and Rare Simeon North Model 1811 Army Contract Flintlock Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
Exceptional and Rare Simeon North Model 1811 Army Contract Flintlock Pistol
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Estimate: $25000 - 35000
Manufactured by Simeon North of Berlin, Connecticut, this fine example of an original Model 1811 Army Contract flintlock pistol is from the lot of 606 pistols with early pin-fastened .69 caliber smooth bore barrel as manufactured circa 1811-1812. The lock plate has beveled edges and is fitted with a reinforced convex hammer and detachable brass pan with high fence. The distinctive umbrella-shaped buttcap, trigger guard, side plate and single ramrod pipe are brass. The lock plate is marked "S. NORTH/BERLIN/CON." behind the hammer and stamped with an eagle over "U. STATES" between the hammer and the frizzen spring. The left side of the barrel is stamped with an indented oval "eagle-head/CT" proofmark and "V" inspection mark. Small "VI" assembly marks are present on the side plate screws, side plate, buttcap screw and lower tang screw. The letter "H" is stamped on the inside of the lock plate. The inside of the lock, flash pan, bridle, tumbler, sear and all the interior lock screws are stamped with "II" assembly marks with additional "II" assembly marks stamped on the frizzen and frizzen spring screws. The trigger plate is stamped "III". There are no inspection marks on the left stock flat. The hickory ramrod has a threaded and slotted iron tip. This pistol is believed to have been obtained from the North family.
BBL: 8 1/2 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 69 bore
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Very fine overall. The pistol is in the original flintlock configuration and is truly exceptional. The iron barrel and back strap have a handsome brown patina. There is shallow flash pitting surrounding the flash hole but the balance of the barrel and back strap are smooth. The barrel proof and inspection marks are sharp. The lock plate, hammer, frizzen and frizzen spring have a gray-brown patina with minimal flash pitting. The brass pan has a dark untouched patina. The beveled edges of the lock plate are sharp and the lock markings are very crisp. The brass buttcap, trigger guard and ramrod pipe have a mellow unpolished patina. The hickory ramrod is original to the pistol. The walnut stock is very good. The edges of the flats and barrel channel are sharp. Wear is limited to minor handling marks. This is an exceptional, original example of a rare North Model 1811 Army Contract pistol in the original flintlock configuration.