U.S. MODEL 1819 PISTOL BY SIMEON NORTH, MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT – DATED 1822, ALTERED TO PERCUSSION – FORMER TEXAS CIVIL WAR MUSEUM COLLECTION

U.S. MODEL 1819 PISTOL BY SIMEON NORTH, MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT – DATED 1822, ALTERED TO PERCUSSION – FORMER TEXAS CIVIL WAR MUSEUM COLLECTION

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$2,200.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1179-124

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Simeon North of Middletown, Connecticut, was one of the most important early contractors to the U.S. government, and his Model 1819 pistol marked a real advance in American martial handgun design. Built under an 1819 contract, the M1819 introduced a swivel ramrod permanently attached beneath the barrel, so it could not be lost on horseback, along with a sliding safety bolt at the rear of the lockplate that locked the hammer at half-cock. Made as a .54 caliber smoothbore flintlock with a 10-inch barrel and iron mountings, it was issued primarily to mounted troops in the decades that followed.

This example is dated 1822 on the tail of the lockplate, and the lock is marked forward of the hammer with the S. NORTH, eagle, U.S. and "MIDLTN CONN." stamps. Like most surviving M1819s, the pistol was later altered from flintlock to percussion. The alteration uses a bolster fitted at the breech with a percussion nipple, along with a percussion hammer with a checkered spur, and the former frizzen and pan screw holes are still visible on the lockplate. As the percussion system replaced the flintlock, large numbers of these pistols were updated rather than retired, extending their service life well beyond their original issue.

The iron barrel, band, lock and furniture have toned to an even, untouched brown patina, with scattered light pitting that is most noticeable around the breech and bolster.  The faint remnant of an inspector cartouche is noted on the side plate flat. The hammer shows a brighter finish than the rest of the metal. The original sliding safety remains in place on the lock, and the swivel ramrod is present and intact. The walnut stock is solid with a dark, aged finish, showing handling marks, scattered dings and wear consistent with long service, and the left side retains its side plate. The bore shows surface oxidation and gauges .58. Mechanically the pistol functions properly, though the lock plate is loose at the rear screw – which appears to be stripped.  As a result, the lockup of the hammer in both positions offers a bit of slack.  Overall length is approximately 15 1/2 inches.

A classic Civil War-era pistol with multiple layers of military history.  [cm] [ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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