May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
For another example with these markings, see pages 260-261 of "Historic Pistols" by Smith & Bitter. Little is known of these pistols and all were made in Canton, Massachusetts probably between 1810 and 1815 and were used in the War of 1812, according to the above mentioned publication. Like the example in the book, this pistol is marked "MARSH / M.A. / V" just behind the sideplate on the left side of the stock. The name Marsh is believed to be that of an inspector at the Washington Navy Yard at the time these pistols were converted to percussion. The round tapered barrel has a partially visible "WNY" for Washington Navy Yard" on the left side of the breech, with only the "Y" still remaining. The flat lockplate has thin beveled edges and a molding at the tail. Center is stamped with a "US" in an oval above "T. FRENCH". Standard brass T. French Naval mounts, iron belthook is now absent. Full-length walnut stock of robust proportions. Wooden ramrod is a modern replacement. CONDITION: Barrel retains a grey surface. Lock is a good professional reconversion and functions well. Brass is polished and shows some scattered marks from use. Stock has a repaired break towards the bottom of the grip and otherwise is very good with very good markings and some scattered marks from use. A nice example of a scarce martial pistol. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.65 Smoothbore