Description
This is an original U.S. Model 1816 pistol that was produced by Simeon North under military contract. In 1813 Simeon North was contracted to supply a .69-cal. pistol to the government. North had made 1,626 of the guns when in 1816 the military decided to make some changes. The caliber was reduced to .54, and a brass front sight blade was added to the top of the barrel band. This antique pistol has a .54 caliber smoothbore barrel that is mostly bright, with minor frosting throughout. The walnut stock has two cracks extending forward from the lock bolts. The mainspring is broken at the mounting lug, preventing the lock from going into full-cock. The cartouche and inspector’s stamps are all clearly visible. This antique pistol weighs 3.2 pounds.The .54 caliber smoothbore barrel is 9-1/16″ long and is polished armory bright with light brown speckling. The bore is mostly bright, but does have minor frosting throughout. A small brass blade front sight is fitted to the top of the barrel band, which is stamped with a small O inspector’s initial. No rear sight is fitted on this point and shoot pistol. The top of the barrel is stamped S.N.Y near the breech. The left side of the barrel is stamped with a P over US proof near the breech. Notice the long tang that extends all the way down the grip before meeting the buttcap. The tang, buttcap, and their mounting screws are stamped with a small O inspector’s initial. Stocked in walnut with iron furniture, this pistol has two cracks, both extending forward from the lock bolts up to the barrel channel. The finish retains much of the inspector’s cartouche in the side panel. The cartouche is LF in a circle with a small PV stamped above. Our bottom view shows the barrel band, triggerguard, and buttcap, all made of polished iron that has developed a speckled brown patina. The original wooden ramrod is fitted with a threaded and slotted iron tip to accommodate patches, a wiper and a ball screw. The iron sideplate is inlet flush with the stock and is stamped with a O inspector’s initial, along with both lock bolts. The lock features a brass pan and has the same polished bright speckled brown patina as the barrel. The lock is marked S. NORTH in an arc surrounding an American eagle, flanked by the letters U and S, which is perched above the address MIDLN CON. We note the mainspring is weak because it is broken at the screw lug. This also allows the mainspring to ride up inside the plate preventing the lock from going into the full-cock notch. The tumbler screw is also a later replacement. The Model 1816’s saw widespread use in conflicts such as the Seminole Wars, Mexican War, and were later converted to percussion at the start of the Civil War. This pistol has the sleek lines, graceful balance, the patina of age, and the eye appeal of a fine original antique. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.
