U. S. MODEL 1819 PISTOL BY SIMEON NORTH, MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT – DATED 1821, CONVERTED TO PERCUSSION

U. S. MODEL 1819 PISTOL BY SIMEON NORTH, MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT – DATED 1821, CONVERTED TO PERCUSSION

Hover to zoom

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Image 8

$1,850.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1000-482

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

The Model 1819 holds an important place in the development of American martial arms. Produced under contract by Simeon North of Middletown, Connecticut, it is noted for its swivel ramrod and the unusual sliding safety bolt mounted on the lock plate behind the hammer. Originally made as flintlocks, many of these pistols were updated to the percussion system around 1850 to extend their service life, as this example was.

The lock plate is clearly marked with the North contractor markings, including the Middletown, Connecticut address and spread eagle, and is dated 1821 at the tail. Proof and inspection marks are present at the breech of the barrel, and inspector's stamps can be seen in the wood on the left side of the stock, including one behind the barrel band and one on the grip. The pistol has been converted to percussion with a percussion hammer and nipple bolster in place of the original flint components.  The hammer safety was removed.

Mechanically, the lock is crisp and functional, holding properly at both the half-cock and full-cock positions. The round iron barrel measures just over 10 inches, retains its brass front sight, and is secured by a single iron spring-retained barrel band. The swivel ramrod is present and in place beneath the barrel. Iron mounts include the side plate, trigger guard, backstrap and the rounded buttcap. The bore gauges approximately .58 caliber and shows a dark interior with surface oxidation.

Condition: The metal surfaces show an even brown-gray patina overall with light scattered pitting, most noticeable on the barrel and ramrod. The lock and barrel markings remain legible. The walnut stock has a good dark tone and shows honest service wear, including dings, dents, and handling marks throughout. The left side of the stock shows the heavier wear. There is a hairline crack in the wrist running from the rear side plate screw down toward the trigger guard, and a small chip in the lower grip on the same side. Along the forend's upper edge adjacent to the barrel there are wood chips and losses both ahead of and behind the barrel band, along with worn edges around the side plate. The right side is in better condition, with lighter handling marks and minor chipping at the forend. The forend tip also shows wear and minor chipping. There is a slight gap where the buttcap meets the stock. Stock wear is consistent with long service and likely the conversion work.

Overall length is 15.25 inches.

A solid, honest example of an early U.S. martial pistol with a clear 1821 date and North contractor markings, representing the transition from flint to percussion in American military service prior to the Civil War.   [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!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire »

Inquire About U. S. MODEL 1819 PISTOL BY SIMEON NORTH, MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT – DATED 1821, CONVERTED TO PERCUSSION

should be empty