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U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol

Estimate: $5000 - 7000
U.S. Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol manufactured at the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1807. The Model 1805 Pistol was the first military handgun manufactured by a national armory. The Harpers Ferry Armory manufactured a total of 4,096 Model 1805 Flintlock Pistols between 1806 and 1808. The pistol has a round .54 caliber, smoothbore barrel with under-rib and a single iron ramrod pipe. The wooden ramrod has a flared brass tip. The barrel has a small brass bead front sight and a rudimentary sighting groove in the barrel and tang. 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 lock and barrel are finished bright. The rear of the lock plate is marked "HARPERS/FERRY/1807" 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 "1441". The script "JS" initials of Ordnance inspector James Stubblefield are stamped on the left stock flat. 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. Small arms expert Robert M. Reilly stated in his book "UNITED STATES MARTIAL FLINTLOCKS" that only about 15% of the Model 1805 Pistols (approximately 275 guns) are estimated to be in existence today.
BBL: 10 1/16 in
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 58
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: 1441
Condition: About good. The pistol appears to be in the original flintlock configuration, yet the touchhole has been rebrushed. The bored out barrel has a silver-gray patina with scattered minor age spotting and moderate flash pitting around the touchhole. The lock has a dark brown patina with scattered light texturing. The oval proof and inspection cartouches on the barrel show some handling wear. The serial number is crisp. The Harpers Ferry and Spread Eagle markings are sharp. The brass furniture has a dark untouched patina. The buttcap has some minor dents and scratches. The stock is in good condition. There is a very old repaired crack in the lower wrist just above the buttcap which has been reinforced with an iron tack with round head. Wood filler has been added above both of the buttcap straps. The left flat has numerous dents and scratches and the edges of the stock surrounding the lock plate and barrel tang show handling wear. This is a solid representative example of a scarce and very important primary U.S. martial handgun that is a key piece in any collection of U.S.Military small arms.
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