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Rare U.S. North Transition Model 1811 Flintlock Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,500.00 USD Estimated At:9,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
Rare U.S. North Transition Model 1811 Flintlock Pistol
This is an example of a Model 1811 flintlock pistol that was manufactured by Simeon North of Berlin, Connecticut, between 1811 and 1813. This "Transition" pistol is a late production Model 1811 pistol fitted with the iron, double strap, "Wickham Improvement" barrel band. North manufactured approximately 550 Transition Model 1811 pistols. Surviving examples of Model 1811 pistols are rare. The pistol has a round, smoothbore barrel and extended iron tang/backstrap. The barrel band is secured by a spring fastened lug. The flat lock plate has a beveled edge with detachable fenced brass pan, convex reinforced hammer and frizzen with flat toe. The pistol has a brass trigger guard, side plate and umbrella shaped buttcap. The hickory ramrod has a swelled tip. The stock is oil-finished black walnut. The rear of the lock plate is stamped: "S.NORTH/BERLIN./CON." in three vertical lines. An eagle motif and "U.STATES". are stamped in front of the hammer. "P/US" proof marks are stamped on the top of the barrel just ahead of the tang. "P" is stamped in front of the tang screw. The inspection mark: "V/HHP" is stamped on the left stock flat behind the side plate. Assembly marks are stamped on the side plate and hammer, frizzen and frizzen spring screws.
BBL: 8 5/8 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 69 bore
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Very good. The pistol appears to be in the original flintlock configuration. The pistol has not been cleaned and the barrel, lock and barrel band have an even brown patina. The barrel is mostly smooth with flash pitting adjacent to the pan. The lock has some scattered surface rust but no significant pitting. The brass furniture has never been polished and has a deep age patina. The lock markings are sharp. The barrel markings and stock inspection mark are light but legible. The stock is in good overall condition with moderate-heavy handling wear. There are three minor hairline cracks in the left side of stock between the upper side plate screw and the barrel channel. The V-spring is missing internally thus causing the hammer to be loose. This is an original example of a rare North Transition Model 1811 flintlock pistol that would be difficult to replace.