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Scarce Harpers Ferry U.S. Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,750.00 USD
Scarce Harpers Ferry U.S. Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol
Estimate: $2500 - 3750
U.S. Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol manufactured at the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1808. The Model 1805 Pistol was the first military handgun manufactured by a national armory. Total production was 4,069 pistols made between 1806 and 1808. The pistol has a round, .54 caliber, smoothbore barrel with under-rib and a single ramrod pipe. The barrel band, tail pipe, side plate, trigger guard and strapped buttcap are brass. The lock plate has a flat face with beveled edges and a small tip at the end. The lock has a reinforced flat hammer and integral fenced iron pan. The wedge fastened stock is black walnut and has a brass reinforcing band on the tip. The pistol is fitted with a wooden ramrod with flared tip. The lock and barrel are finished bright. The rear of the lock plate is marked: "HARPERS/FERRY/1808" in three slightly curved, vertical lines. A spread eagle and shield motif above "US" is stamped on the lock plate in front of the hammer. The top of the barrel is stamped with an oval cartouche containing an eagle head/P proof mark, followed by "US" in a second oval cartouche and the serial number "1642". Model 1805 pistols were issued and serial numbered in pairs; the highest serial number is estimated to be 2,048. A script "US" inspection mark is visible on the left stock flat behind the side plate.
BBL: 10 1/16 in
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54 bore
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: 1642
Condition: Good as reconverted to flintlock configuration. The barrel and lock plate are bright. Most of the metal surfaces are smooth with some scattered pitting on the muzzle and the expected flash pitting on the portions of the barrel surrounding the touch hole and on the pan, hammer and frizzen. The markings on the barrel and lock plate are crisp. The initials "WJ" are crudely scratched on the side plate and are contemporary with the period of use. The brass furniture has not been polished and has a dark age patina. The stock is in good condition with an attractive patina. The stock has moderate handling wear and a few small cracks around the lockplate and sideplate. The "US" inspection mark on the left flat is faint but legible. This is a good representative example of one of the most important and desirable U.S. martial flintlock pistols.
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