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Extremely Rare Documented U.S. Sweitzer Model 1808 Flintlock Pistol Formerly of the William Locke Co

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:14,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
Extremely Rare Documented U.S. Sweitzer Model 1808 Flintlock Pistol Formerly of the William Locke Co
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Estimate: $14000 - 22500
Manufacturer: Henrey, Abraham Model: Flintlock
This U.S. Model 1808 flintlock pistol has a lock plate marked "SWEITZER/& Co" in two lines in front of the cock. A faint "US" is stamped on the rear side of the lock plate. This pistol was formerly in the famous William Locke collection and is photographed on the top of page 246 of the book on his collection. FLAYDERMAN'S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIREARMS identifies this pistol as a "Daniel Sweitzer Contract Flintlock Pistol". Correspondence from Purveyor of Public Supplies, Tench Cox, dated 1808 indicates that this pistol may have been manufactured by Abraham Henry or his partner John Guest of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This pistol is identified as an Abraham Henry pistol and pictured on page 63/68 of a monograph entitled "THE PRIMARY 1807-1808 U.S. MARTIAL PISTOLS" by James M. Wertenberger. A copy of the monograph is included with the pistol. The Abraham Henry/John Guest pistols are extremely rare; two pistols were apparently delivered to Tench Cox. This pistol has a round smoothbore barrel with small half-moon shaped brass front sight. The left side of the barrel is stamped with the indented oval "Eaglehead/CT" contract proofmark. An "I", "Condemned" mark is stamped horizontally on the right side of the barrel in front of the flash hole. The flat lock plate has beveled edges with a distinct point at the rear reinforced cock iron pan with high fence and teardrop shaped frizzen spring tip. The pin fastened walnut stock has a brass ramrod pipe, tailpipe, side plate, trigger guard and buttcap with two prominent ears. The plain hickory ramrod has a flared tip. The consignor states that it is the only remaining Sweitzer Model 1808 flintlock pistol in existence.
BBL: 10 7/16 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 60
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition:
Good. The barrel and lock are bright with sharp markings. There is light-moderate flash pitting on the barrel surrounding the flash hole and on the lock plate below the pan. The brass furniture has an attractive patina. The walnut stock is good with sharp edges. The grip has a professionally repaired crack on the right side that is only visible on close inspection. This is a good example of possibly the only surviving example of a Sweitzer and Co marked U.S. contract flintlock pistol.