October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
Prior to the Virginia Manufactory being able to produce pistols on its own, John Miles Sr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania delivered approximately 250 pairs of pistols to Virginia to arm their cavalry during 1802-1804. The first of these pistols were supplied around October 7th, 1801. The first production coincides with the last of the production of the North & Cheney pistols. There is believed to be less than ten of these Miles Virginia Contract pistols known to exist today. This gun features the marking of "MILES PHILAD .1 REGT, VIRGA, CAVALRY DINWIDDIE" on the barrel which is correct. "P" proof on the left side of the barrel at the breech. The lock is marked ".M LES./ PHILA", the "I" apparently missing or broken from the stamp. As with Virginia Manufactory guns, this could be considered a secondary Confederate firearm. CONDITION: The barrel has been cleaned to bright with some pitting in areas, markings are clear. The balance of parts retain a pleasing patina with light pitting. Lock markings are clear. Brass has a pleasing patina. Wood has some restoration and areas of discoloration, crack in the bottom of the stock. Both barrel pins are replacements. Plain wooden ramrod is most likely a replacement. The groove in the rear face of the breech plug has been widened. All in all a very rare gun that has had a little bit of work done. GR
Paperwork
Excerpt from Historic Pistols