Product Description
Antique SIMEON NORTH U.S. CONTRACT Model 1819 .54 Caliber FLINTLOCK Pistol
1822 Dated STATE of NEW YORK Marked MILITIA PISTOL
Here we present an antique New York State Militia Marked Simeon North U.S. Model 1819 Flintlock Pistol, made circa 1822 in Middletown, Connecticut. The top of the breech is marked S.N.Y. for State of New York, indicating the gun was sent to that state at some point under the Militia Act of 1808. This .54 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Contract Model 1819 pistol was made by Simeon North for a U.S. Army contract. The U.S. Ordnance Department showed Simeon North a sample pair of pistols from the Harpers Ferry Armory on June 12, 1819. North then produced a pistol similar to that of Harpers Ferry with a few alterations. He signed a contract with the U.S. Military on July 21, 1819 producing 10,000 pistols. The complete production run had a total of 20,400 made. This pistol has a sliding safety bolt located at the rear of the lockplate that half cocks the hammer. The sliding safety bolt is rare for a pistol from this year. When these pistols were converted to percussion (unlike this one which has survived in its original flintlock state), this bolt was removed because it got caught on holsters. This pistol also introduced the iron swivel ramrod. It was created because wooden ramrods often fell out of the pistols and were lost. The front sight is a brass blade and the rear sight is oval on the tang.
Many were updated to the much more reliable percussion system in the 1830s. The service life was quite long for this pistol. The famous scout and Indian fighter Kit Carson fought with one of these, still in its original flintlock form, during the Mexican-American War from 1846-48. Even though percussion arms, including pistols, had been adopted by the U.S. in the 30s, it was not unusual for flintlocks to still be in use. Primary conflicts that would have involved this piece during its service life were the Seminole Wars, the Pawnee Expedition, the Mexican-American War and even the American Civil War.
The overall condition is good. Strong action. This piece remains in its original flintlock configuration. The bore is in good shape for its age. A crack is present in the grip, was repaired, and remains stable. Most markings are legible, but the makers marks on the lock is worn. “1822” dated lock. Cartouche remnants can be seen on the left stock flat. A very neat piece of American and New York history!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 10-1/8 inches.
Caliber: .54 Smoothbore
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$2300
#227808