U.S. Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol; Lock Stamped: “ HARPERS FERRY 1807/US”

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U.S. Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol; Lock Stamped: “ HARPERS FERRY 1807/US” – The U.S. Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol was manufactured at the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. The Model 1805 Pistol was the first military handgun manufactured by a national armory, with a total production of 4,069 pistols, made between 1806 and 1808. The pistol has a round, .54 caliber, smoothbore barrel with an under-rib and a single, wooden ramrod, with flared tip. The barrel band, tail pipe, side plate, trigger guard and strapped butt cap are all constructed of brass. The flat-faced lock plate has 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, with a brass, reinforcing band on the tip. 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 proof mark, followed by “US” in a second oval cartouche; the serial number “970”. All Model 1805 pistols, dated from 1805 to 1808, were issued in identically numbered pairs; the highest serial number is estimated to be 2,048. These pistols were the standard handgun of the U.S. Dragoons, during the War of 1812. A script “US” inspection mark is visible on the left stock flat behind the side plate. This is a rare pistol of great U.S. military significance; it remains in excellent condition.