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U.S. 1798 Harpers Ferry Inspected Brass-Barreled Flintlock Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 15,000.00 USD
U.S. 1798 Harpers Ferry Inspected Brass-Barreled Flintlock Pistol
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Brass barreled flintlock pistol made by "T/BOLTON & CO" and stamped with the "IP" final inspection mark of Joseph Perkins, Master Armorer at the Harpers Ferry Armory from 1798 to 1806. During this point in time, Harper's Ferry was not fully operational, with the water race that would power the machines of the arsenal still incomplete, but the demand for arms generated by the Franco-American "Quasi-War" of 1798-1800 prompted the government to press the incomplete facility into service for the repair and assembly of arms, with Joseph Perkins, an English born and trained armorer and Superintendant of the New London Arsenal, tapped to oversee the efforts as the first Superintendent and Master Armorer for Harpers Ferry, a position he held until his death. The pistol has a round, pin-fastened, brass barrel that is marked "LONDON" on the top and stamped with British proofmarks. The flush-fitted, flat faced lock has a distinct tail and engraved borders at the edges. The lock has a flat-face, goose neck cock, integral, fenced iron pan and is marked with the maker's name: "T/BOLTON &CO" below the pan. Stamped above the maker's name is a "WP" (Works of Pennsylvania) inspection mark. A floral design is engraved at the rear of the lock plate. The pistol has a brass ramrod pipe, side plate, trigger guard and buttcap. The Harpers Ferry inspection mark "IP" is stamped on the left stock flat.
BBL: 8.0 in
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54 cal.
Finish: brass
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Fine. The barrel and brass furniture have a mellow, age patina. The lock has traces of the original casehardened finish with light-moderate flash pitting on the pan and adjacent areas of the lock plate. The hammer screw has a period repair which may have been made at the U.S. Harpers Ferry Armory. The stock is also in mechanically fine condition with moderate handling wear and a single hairline crack between the upper tang screw and the barrel.