September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
Only 98 of these pistols are believed to have ever been delivered to the government between 1797 and 1799. This pistol is featured on page 75 of "Accouterments IV" by James R. Johnston. For another identical example, see pages 88-89 of "Historic Pistols" by Smith & Bitter. According to this text, only 3 of these pistols were known to exist at the time this book was published. This rare example has a round barrel stamped with an eagle over "P" in an oval on the left side of the breech. The lock is inscribed "Ketland/ & Co" in the center and the tail shows a partially visible "UNITED/STATES", which was intentionally removed during the period of use. Perhaps it was stolen from the government or taken by a deserter, and they wanted to remove evidence of government ownership. Standard brass McCormick Horseman's pistol brass furniture including pommel cap, s-shaped side plate, nose band, trigger guard and single ramrod ferrule. This pistol has attractive form with its large pommel and slender design. Stocked in plain walnut and with carved initials "IW" in black letters neatly done behind the side plate. Complete with a probably replaced, but old wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Completely untouched and as-found in attic condition. Barrel retains a dark heavy brown patina, barrel mark is deep but not legible or defaced. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration with excellent maker's mark, strong but does not hold in full cock position. Brass furniture is dark and unpolished, pommel cap is slightly use from shrinkage. Both lock bolts are period replacements. Stock shows heavy use with a missing chip in front of the lock and chip on left side in front or rear barrel pin. Otherwise good, showing smoothing and scattered age cracks and marks from use. It would be difficult to find a more honest example of this extremely rare and historic early American martial pistol. DMG