October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
Scarce original and correct Second Contract North & Cheney pistol. Under 2,000 specimens are believed to be made by Simeon North and Elisha Cheney of Berlin, Connecticut between 1799 and 1802. Copied after the French Model 1777 pistol, it is the first official model of pistol adopted by the United States. In recent years, it has been determined that there were two contracts, this is a Second Contract as it was one of the later 1,500 manufactured. This example is one of only a small number of authentic extant specimens. It features a tapered smoothbore steel barrel, stamped "B" near the breech. Correctly marked in all three locations with the serial number, in the correct font. Bottom of barrel marked with serial number "1011", corresponding to the same numbers on both the breech plug's left side and inside the frame, where the barrel rests. Brass frame with lock on right side, brass pan, original reinforced cock. The bottom of the frame stamped "NORTH & CHENEY BERLIN" in an interrupted curve around the front of the trigger guard. Brass trigger guard and buttcap, iron backstrap. Almost all screws, with the exception of two, appear to original. Steel ramrod is a replacement. One piece walnut grip with slight bulbous area on left side, opposite the lock. CONDITION: In dark, "as found" and untouched condition, overall. Barrel and original steel components retain a dark, heavy brown patina with scattered areas of freckling and marks from use. Brass components retain a dark unpolished patina with scattered marks from use, excellent markings. Grip shows shrinkage, deterioration, and scattered cracks and splinters missing, retains a dark patina. Overall, a very nice and authentic example in untouched condition. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.71 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
North & Cheney
Model
1799, Second Contract