November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
This is a very rare model, with only 300 of these early production pistols were manufactured by N.P. Ames in 1842. Ames actually made this delivery of 300 pistols before the contract had officially been signed. This was the first percussion martial pistol delivered under government contract. It is often referred to as the "Box Lock" model. Round smoothbore steel barrel stamped "U.S.N./JCB/P" at breech and dated 1842 on tang. Flat beveled internal mechanism percussion lockplate with rounded tail section marked vertically "U.S.N./1842", center stamped "N.P. AMES/SPRINGFIELD/MASS." Brass furniture includes round buttcap with screw in center, plain triggerguard, and barrel band, finely-executed inscription "C. Washington/Pittsburgh" on top. Steel swivel-type ramrod. Plain walnut half stock. Very good condition, barrel has been cleaned and now retains a light grey patina with some dark spots and freckling, markings excellent. Lock retains a spotted grey patina and excellent markings. Triggerguard bent slightly and with a few scattered marks from use. Stock good with scattered marks from use, some wear, and a couple minor age cracks.
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore