This is a US Model 1816 pistol made by Simeon North of Connecticut. In 1813 North was contracted to supply 69 caliber pistol for the military. It featured a beefy double strap iron band. The black walnut stock incorporated a reinforcing band up the spine of the stock from the grip cap to the barrel tang. North had produced 16126 of these guns when the military decided to make the following changes in 1816. The caliber was reduced from 69 to 54 caliber. A brass front sight blade was added to the top of the barrel band. The stock extended beyond the barrel band. The lock was casehardened and the barrel and mountings were browned. From 1817 through 1820 North had produced 19374 Model 1816's. The overall length of this weapon is 15 1/4", with the barrel measuring 9 1/16". The 54 caliber smooth bore is dark but is not rusted or pitted. There are two proof marks on the barrel. On the left side of the breech is US and P. On the right side of the barrel by the conversion nipple are the initials RJ, standing for inspector Robert Johnson. The lock plate is stamped S. NORTH in an arc above an eagle. Arcing below the eagle is MIDLTN CON. Flanking the eagle are the letters U and S. The hammer locks in both positions and drops hard when the trigger is depressed. The barrel, lock plate, trigger and guard and all the other iron hardware have a dark brown patina. It's obvious this gun has been together for a long time. The walnut stock a couple of small age cracks around the lock plate. There are a few nicks, mostly around the grip. An oval inspectors cartouche is stamped into the left flat of the stock. The initials LS, representing sub inspector Luther Sage are in the cartouche. The original hickory ramrod is still with the gun. These rifle caliber "horse" pistols saw service in the Seminole Indian Wars, the Mexican War and like this one, converted to percussion and used in the early days of the Civil War. Here's your opportunity to own a firearm used during three different wars in eraly American history!

Item # AA805

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