Original Item: Only One Available. In 1816 the Federal Government ordered 20,000 Flintlock Pistols designated the Model of 1816 from SIMEON NORTH, a Gun Manufacturer in Middletown, Connecticut. Between 1817 and 1820, 19,374 pistols had been delivered to Government Arsenals.

At some point after delivery, most likely in the 1840s, this model 1816 pistol was converted to percussion, which looks to have occurred at arsenal. The original barrel was modified, or possibly even replaced, and now has a U.S. Arsenal style percussion cap bolster fitted, as well as a "captured" ramrod on the front. It is in the correct .54" caliber, and is 9 inches long. This means that the barrel was most likely was not taken from one of the other pistols with the captured ramrod, as they were all 8 1/2 inches long.

Additionally, the the Frizzen and related hardware were removed from the lock plate and the holes plugged, still visible on the face of the lock plate. The brass flash pan was also removed, with the top inlet for the new percussion bolster, and only a small amount of the brass flash pan remains. Converted pistols such as this saw much use during the Civil War.

The pistol measures 15 1/2" overall with a .54 Caliber 9" barrel. It has all iron mounts including a large skull crusher butt cap, iron trigger guard, side plate and large double strap barrel band which supports a brass fore sight. The breech of the barrel is proof marked P / U.S., while the lock marking is partly worn away, with the right side illegible:-

S. NORT[H]
U (Eagle) [S]
MIDLN [CONN.]

There is also a legible oval LS cartouche on the left side of the stock, for Luther Sage, who inspected pistols from North, Waters, and other makers during the 1813-1836 period.

Overall condition of the pistol is very nice, showing that it was in service for decades, typical for early U.S. martial pistols. During the 1840s weapons being housed at the national and state armories were converted to percussion, in order to help standardize ammunition, as well as to replace an outdated ignition system. These were still in storage at the time of the U.S. Civil War, and many percussion converted arms saw use during the conflict, especially on the confederate side.

The metalwork displays a lovely light gray patina from years of cleaning, with just a bit of past peppering in areas. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, and the captured ramrod works great as well. The stock is in good condition, showing a lovely color, and no major damage. There is a crack running from the rear lock screw to the breech, a very common area for this to occur.

A very interesting matured early U.S. Martial pistol that saw further service through percussion conversion. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1818 - converted circa 1840
Caliber: .54" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 15 3/4 Inches
Barrel Length: 9 1/16 Inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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