Manufactured by Simeon North of Middletown, Connecticut for the United States Government under contractor for 20,000 Flintlock Pistols designated the Model 1816 by Simeon North. North was a firearms manufacturer in Connecticut. From North’s start of production in 1817 until 1820, 19,374 Flintlock Pistols were delivered to Government Arsenals.

The lock plate is marked with the early style markings “S. North” faint but readable in a downward curve over an American Winged Spread Eagle. Motif with “U” and “S” at either side over “MIDLEnCON” in an upward curve. Most of the lock-plate marking visible. Eagle’s head is faint. The model 1816 measures 15 ½ inch overall with a .54 caliber barrel that measures 9 1/16 inch. Breech markings “P/US” strongly visible. Barrel has an untouched patina, smooth surface, very minor pitting around touch hole. The double-strapped barrel band with a simple brass blade front sight, matching patina, as is the lock-plate. The trigger guard and backstrap all have a smooth surface with a nice dark patina.

Walnut wood with a warm darker brown color, with minor dents and bruises consistent with age. One small chip or dent in the wood along the left side juncture of the barrel. Faint letters of a cartouche are visible in the wood opposite the lock. “M 701” stamped in the wood adjacent to the curved section of the trigger-guard. Hickory ramrod is missing, as is the case, with most of this model and time period. Iron side plate and screws stamped with letter “X”. All parts original, in untouched condition. Mechanically the action is strong and works well.

Total production for this pattern was 19,374, the number coming from North’s 1813 contract for 20,000 pistols in .69 caliber, which was changed after delivery of 626 to specify .54 caliber. These were delivered in 1817 (3,074,) 1818 (8,300,) 1819 (6,500,) and 1820 (1,500,) inspected by several different US inspectors. With the abolition of U.S. cavalry units in 1815 it is no surprise that a large number went to various states, though enough were on hand for 750 to be designated in January 1834 for issue to the newly reconstituted U.S. dragoons. [stp][ph:L]