GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
RARE SIMEON NORTH 1808 NAVY CONTRACT PISTOL WITH LARGE BAG GRIPS. NORTH180862264Cal. 64. 16-1/4" overall, 10-1/8" rnd bbl. 5-1/2" lock marked with eagle over "U.STATES." forward of cock and at tail "S.NORTH / BERLIN / CON.". Gun has brass mounts with 5-1/4" belt hook. Bbl is unmarked externally like other examples noted. Gun is SNd internally on breech "622" and still retains some of the orig brown finish on bottom of bbl as this model was orig all finished brown. Bottom of bbl marked with series of assembly marks including "II", "VII" and "IIII" along with double set of punch marks. Breech is marked with 3 punch marks opposite SN. Stock mortise for backstrap is serialized "622" with "IIII" forward and "II" rear. Bbl is marked with 3 punch marks and lock mortise is marked "VII". Lock parts including screws are marked "I". Trigger guard has "II" stamped rear of bow. Escutcheon has small letter "K" and belt loop has 2 internal punch marks. About 2,000 pistols were made by North under the 1808 contract, in several variations; this example being the most often seen. These guns sold in pairs, most likely having matching SNs like Model 1805 US pistols. These pistols were the first pistols produced by Simeon North after completion of the North & Cheney arms. Most are converted to percussion. This is a scare survivor in orig flint with orig belt hook. CONDITION: Very good overall, orig flint. Metal overall has been cleaned, iron is grey/bright overall with mottled surface with pitting. Gun appears orig and complete with exception of restored 3-3/4" of forestock and brass pipe. Matching assembly numbers are found throughout as noted. Lock markings discernible though eagle is weak. Stock is sound and solid with hand worn patina and restored 3-1/4" as noted of forestock. Restored brass pipe matches color of brass buttcap, trigger guard, pan and lock escutcheon. Mechanically functional with smooth clear bore. 52414-3 JS (7,000-8,000)