1097

U.S. Inspected 1814 Thomas Ketland Contract Flintlock Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 20,000.00 USD
U.S. Inspected 1814 Thomas Ketland Contract Flintlock Pistol
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This is a fine Officer's quality flintlock pistol that was assembled by Thomas Ketland of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, using parts made by Ketland and Company of London, as part of an initiative in 1814 to have all useable components to be assembled, with the assembly work given to independent smiths. The left stock flat is stamped with an "R", the mark of Schuykill Arsenal inspector Captain Joseph H. Reis. The pistol has a full-length, pin-fastened walnut stock with English style, bag-shaped grip. The half-octagon/half-round barrel has decorative punchmarks at the breech and the edges of the flats. The top barrel flat is stamped "LONDON". The left flat is stamped with three British proofmarks and the "TK" mark of assembler Thomas Ketland. The lock plate has beveled edges and a pointed tip and is fitted with a fenced, iron pan and a flat-faced, goose-neck hammer. The edges of the lock and hammer have engraved borders and there is a simple floral design engraved at the rear of the lock. The lock plate is stamped: "T/KETLAND/& CO" in three lines below the pan. The pistol has a turned brass ramrod tail pipe and pipe. The brass trigger guard has an acorn-shaped finial and a simple floral engraving on the bottom of the trigger guard bow. A brass, shield-shaped, thumb-piece is inlaid in the grip behind the tang. The tang is engraved with simple floral designs and the faces of the side plate screws, tang screw and hammer screw are decorated with line engraving. The pistol has a wooden ramrod with flared head.
BBL: 9.0 IN
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 58
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Fine. The barrel and lock have an attractive gray brown patina. The metal surfaces show age discoloration but no significant pitting. The edges of the barrel and lock plate are sharp. The barrel and pan show only very light flash pitting. The proofmarks, markings and engraved decoration on the barrel and lock are crisp. The brass furniture has a mellow, unpolished patina. The stock is also in fine condition with sharp edges and only minor handling and storage marks. The Ordnance inspection mark on the left stock flat is very sharp. This is a fine example of a high grade, Ketland. U.S. 1814 Contract Pistol with Schuykill Arsenal inspection marks.